NOVA Solar Capacity Over Time

Increasing the use of renewable energy is a key element of Arlington’s Community Energy Plan (CEP). There are numerous ways in which the Arlington Initiative to Rethink Energy (AIRE) team is helping the community reach its goals:

• The County is installing solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on multiple County facilities
• The County has entered into a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (solar farm) with Dominion Energy to help ensure that over 80% of the County operation’s electricity use is powered by renewable energy
• The AIRE Team partners with VA Solar United Neighbors to help Arlington residents save up to 30% through a Solar PV and EV Charger co-op.

Arlington County is not alone in Northern Virginia when it comes to increasing the use of solar PV systems. The graphic and tables below show the increased use of solar PV throughout Northern VA over time. Arlington County continues to install solar on their facilities and reach for Net Zero Energy facilities where it is technically and financially feasible. 

• 106 of families purchased solar systems through the Arlington Solar co-op in 2021
• Lubber Run Community Center will be the next project to have solar installed with 231 kW
• The price of solar electricity has dropped 89% over the past decade
• Arlington County Government is targeting 100% renewable electricity by 2025 for County government operations
• In 2022, Arlington will reach 80% renewable electricity for all County facilities and operations.
• Fun Fact: There are more solar jobs in Virginia than coal jobs!
• A new solar co-op will open in spring 2022. Email energy@arlingtonva.us if you are interested.