Solarize NoVA, a partnership of Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP), Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC), participating municipal governments and the Piedmont Environmental Council, has passed 2 MW of new solar.
263 contracts signed through the program since 2014 represent $6.2 million in construction value with local, regionally based contractors and annual production of 2.4 million kilowatt hours of electricity. This clean energy is equal to close to 2,000 tons of C02 not released, or 2 million pounds of coal unburned each year.
With a streamlined process and discounted pricing, Solarize NoVA is an affordable and convenient way for home owners to go solar. Overall, the cost of home solar has dropped more than 70% since 2010 and prices offered during our Solarize campaigns have come down 25% from 2014 to 2017. Currently, there is also a 30% federal tax credit through 2019 and many individual localities also offer incentives, such as real estate tax exemptions and permit waivers.
The energy cost savings and emission free power from photovoltaic systems make solar a great investment — for property owners and the environment. Home and business owners interested in exploring their solar options can learn more at solarizenova.org and receive a free solar satellite assessment anytime. The spring campaign will run April 15 - June 14 with more details coming in March.
Bob Lazaro, Executive Director, Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC)
“As Solarize NoVA enters its fifth year, our citizens continue to embrace solar as a energy security and resiliency solution in the face of ongoing environmental challenges and climate change. We are very proud to have reached this major milestone of 2 MW and are preparing for our biggest campaigns yet in 2019. We are thankful to LEAP, our local government partners and the Piedmont Environmental Council for all their assistance.”
Ryan Van Patten, Solar Manager, Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP)
“With growing concern for our resiliency in the face of climate change, more property owners are looking to rooftop solar as an environmentally and financially sound solution. We are honored to work with Northern Virginia Regional Commission and Piedmont Environmental Council on this important and successful campaign to secure a clean energy future for the region.”