SolarizeAlexandria Returns to Help Residents Go Solar

From City of Alexandria:

SolarizeAlexandria, a program to make it easier and more affordable for residents to install solar power systems on Alexandria homes, will hold its second annual campaign through Oct. 9. The program provides a free home energy efficiency check-up and solar site assessment; discount pricing through bulk purchasing, project facilitation and qualified installation, financing and federal tax incentive options and qualification for the City of Alexandria’s Solar Energy Equipment Tax Exemption.

“I’m excited to see SolarizeAlexandria build upon a successful 2015 campaign and offer opportunities to increase solar power in Alexandria in 2016,” said Mayor Allison Silberberg. “Solar power can provide energy cost savings to homeowners and enhance home quality and value, while helping meet our Eco-City Alexandria goals, such as reducing our carbon footprint.”

In 2015, SolarizeAlexandria launched with a goal of 10 residents choosing to install solar power systems on their homes. The campaign resulted in 15 participants, whose new solar power systems increased the amount of solar power in Alexandria by 70 kilowatts.

Homeowners who register for the SolarizeAlexandria program will receive a free home energy check-up and no-obligation solar site assessment. During this visit, a qualified technician will give advice on ways to lower home energy costs and will determine whether solar power is a good option for the home. Homeowners who would like to pursue solar can take advantage of discounted prices that leverage regional bulk pricing.

Since 1978, the Alexandria City Code has provided a real estate tax exemption for the value of certified solar energy equipment. As part of this year’s SolarizeAlexandria campaign, the City of Alexandria and the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC) have announced the expansion of the Northern Virginia Solar Map to Alexandria. This online tool provides homeowners a preliminary analysis of the solar energy potential for their homes. The Northern Virginia Solar Map provides information on the potential size and electricity savings of a solar power system.

Alexandria joins the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC) and the nonprofit Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) to offer SolarizeAlexandria. Other Northern Virginia Solarize programs are located in Dumfries, Falls Church, Herndon, Leesburg/Loudoun County and Vienna. LEAP also works with other localities to provide Solarize programs throughout Virginia.

Further information is available through the SolarizeAlexandria website.

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