Solarize NOVA Spring 2015 Kicks Off in Falls Church, Herndon and Vienna

Spring Deals for Homeowners to Add Rooftop Solar at Reduced Costs (April 1 – June 30)

Fairfax, Virginia – April 1 through June 30 solar power for homes will be easier and more affordable than ever thanks to another round of Solarize NOVA, a program that offers bulk purchasing discounts and free solar site assessments to homeowners in select communities in Northern Virginia. The program kicks off in Falls Church, Herndon and Vienna as a limited-time, one-stop-shop for community members to learn more about solar power options for their homes and facilitate the installation and financing of their own project.

This grassroots, community-based outreach initiative is sponsored by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC) in partnership with the Local Energy Alliance Program and the individual localities. Home and business owners will be reminded throughout the Spring that “Our clean energy future starts with your roof.”

Solarize NOVA launched in the Fall of 2014 in the Town of Leesburg and Loudoun County. To date more than 15 solar array contracts valued at nearly $375,000 have been signed with a capacity of 109 kW. More than 100 free Home Energy Check-Ups were completed as part of the campaign.

Visit www.solarizenova.org for more information.

Key Points

Easy. Homeowners can get started with a simple online application, take advantage of a free Home Energy Check-Up and solar site assessment, and have until June 30 to sign a contract and lock in the discounts.

Affordable. The foundation of Solarize NOVA is community participation. When a community decides to rally behind solar, local installers are able to lower their prices. This is a result of bulk purchasing, offset marketing expenses, reduced travel expenses, and the guarantee that solar installation crews will be kept busy.

Local. The local contractors taking part in Solarize NOVA this spring are: EDGE Energy, Green Brilliance and Prospect Solar.

More Savings.  In addition to Solarize NOVA discounts, LEAP will help participants access a 30% federal tax credit and navigate the Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) market.

Best Deal. You can all of the pricing information at solarizenova.org/pricing

Smart. The cost of solar panels has dropped 60% since 2011 according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. Meanwhile the Energy Information Administration projects a 2% annual rise in residential energy rates for the Mid-Atlantic. Now is the time to lock in low electricity rates with solar. Plus, a recent report by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that rooftop solar can add $15,000 to the value of a home.

Proven. Similar programs have met with success in Leesburg, Loudoun County, Blacksburg, Richmond, Roanoke and Charlottesville – where a recent program attracted more than 1000 applications.

 

Quotes from Solarize NOVA Partners

Falls Church Mayor David P. Tarter
“Sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint are critical action items for the City of Falls Church,” said Mayor David P. Tarter. “We are pleased to participate in this regional effort being coordinated by NVRC and LEAP. I urge all interested residents to participate in the free home energy checkup and solar review.”

Herndon Mayor Lisa Merkel
“The Town of Herndon fully supports Solarize NoVA’s mission to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency, and we encourage our homeowners and business owners to take advantage of the opportunities represented by the program.”

Vienna Mayor Laurie DiRocco
“Vienna is proud of its efforts to protect our environment and promote sustainability. I urge all of our residents to take advantage of the free home energy check up and solar review.”

Hon. Penny Gross, Chairman, Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC)
“Northern Virginia has been and is our Commonwealth’s ‘Innovation Region.’ Solarize NOVA is an innovative program to help make renewable energy more accessible to our citizens and business community. I am delighted we are able to expand this program with our neighbors in Falls Church, Herndon and Vienna and eventually move it forward to all of Northern Virginia.”

Cynthia Adams, Executive Director, Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP)
“With Solarize NOVA we’re bringing a successful and widely popular program to Falls Church, Herndon and Vienna. For a limited time, you can score an unprecedented deal on solar power for your home or business. By adding solar to your energy mix, you can lock in savings and make your roof part of our clean energy future.”

G. Mark Gibb, Executive Director, Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC)
“Solarize NOVA is part of a 1,000 rooftop challenge in Northern Virginia. In 2011, the NVRC adopted a regional energy strategy that calls for NVRC to help facilitate aggregated procurement of renewable energy technologies. This program helps bring reduced cost solar systems to our residents and business community utilizing local installers. A win-win for all.”