Spring Solarize NoVA Campaign Launches April 2
City of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas Park and Vienna, Fairfax, and Prince William Counties, Virginia – After several successful runs and with momentum for solar power growing across Virginia, the Solarize NOVA program returns April 2nd to May 31st to the cities and towns of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church and Vienna, and Fairfax County. This solar campaign is also available for the first time to residents and businesses of the City of Manassas Park and Prince William County.
Since 2014, 196 contracts have been signed through Solarize NOVA totaling 1.5 MW of electrical capacity with $4.7 million in construction value with local, Virginia based contractors. With a streamlined process and discounted pricing, Solarize NOVA is an affordable and convenient way for home owners to go solar. The program is run by the Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) in partnership with the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC), and the participating municipal governments.
Why solar is a smart choice for your house or commercial property:
- It’s Easy with Solarize NOVA: Solarize NOVA offers free solar site assessments to help you figure out if solar is right for your home or business, conducts community workshops on solar, and connects you with trusted, vetted contractors.
- It’s More Affordable than Ever: By leveraging the collective buying power of you and your neighbors, we are able to offer discounted prices and qualified, local installers. Overall, the cost of home solar has dropped more than 70% since 2010. Prices offered during our Solarize campaigns have come down 25% from 2014 to 2017, and this year, Solarize prices are expected to be discounted 10-15% off current consumer rates.
In addition, LEAP will connect participants with information on the 30% federal tax credit and local incentives, such as real estate tax credits. The trusted, vetted solar installers selected for Solarize NOVA also help customers navigate the Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) market.
- It’s the Smart Choice to Head Off Rising Energy & Environmental Costs: The Energy Information Administration projects a 2% annual rise in residential energy rates for the Mid-Atlantic. The energy cost savings and emission free power from photovoltaic systems make solar a great investment — for you and the environment.
New this Year - Energy Efficient Lighting
LEAP has partnered for the first time with Pio Energy, a northern Virginia-based renewable energy company, that offers LED lighting solutions for commercial properties. Their saving sharing lease program allows businesses to switch to LEDs, including tube lighting and outdoor lighting, to realize energy cost savings of up to 80% with no upfront costs. This partnership fits LEAP’s philosophy of “reduce and produce,” which encourages property owners to consider energy efficiency improvements as part of any solar package.
Bob Lazaro, Executive Director, Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC)
“NVRC supports resilient, renewable energy as crucial to a healthy, prosperous northern Virginia. This program helps bring reduced cost solar systems to our residents and business community utilizing local installers. A win-win for all.”
Lesley Fore, Executive Director, Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP)
“At LEAP we are committed to energy efficiency and solar solutions as part of a clean energy future for Virginia. Solarize NOVA, by putting solar within reach of home and business owners, is key to this mission. We are proud to partner with NVRC on this vital work.”
Home and business owners interested in exploring their solar options can sign up today at www.solarizenova.org. There is absolutely no commitment until, and if, you sign a contract with an installer.