Solar Energy Being Pushed Anew In Fairfax City

FAIRFAX, VA—City officials makes no bones about it: They would prefer you go solar. Be it for your home or your business, solar power is something you at least should consider. That's the pitch, anyway. And toward that end, the city is holding an information session 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, in Old Town Hall at 3999 University Drive to "hear from professionals on how the program works, pricing, incentives and more."

Should you consider taking the plunge, as it were, you will receive:

• A free solar site assessment (to make sure solar is right for their home or business)
• Lower than ever solar panel pricing
• Information on financing
• A qualified local installer and high performance systems

The city is running its Solarize NOVA campaign in partnership with the non-profit Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) and the Northern Virginia Re­gional Commission (NVRC).

Environmental advocates released a report in April 2018 ranking America's leaders in harnessing solar power. Environment Maryland, a citizen-based advocacy project of Environment America, unveiled "Shining Cites: How Smart Local Policies Are Expanding Solar Power in America."

The U.S. has more than 53 gigawatts of solar photovoltaic, or PV, capacity installed, which could keep the lights on for more than 10 million homes, the report said. That's 26 times more capacity than seven years earlier.