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Many places, including Fairfax County, are seeing hotter weather and more extreme heat than in previous years.
When heat strikes, neighborhoods with less greenery and more buildings and pavement can get much hotter than surrounding areas. These hot spots, known as Urban Heat Islands, can have warmer temperatures during the day and at night, making it difficult for people to keep cool in these areas.
The county is working to reduce urban heat islands and help keep residents safe in the heat in several ways.
Read More on County NewsCenter
With a 30% Federal Tax Credit Expiring, Now May be Best Time to Go Solar
Solarize Virginia has extended its sign-up deadline to August 15, 2025, providing homeowners and businesses with additional time to secure solar installations by year’s end. Switch Together, another solar group purchasing program, will launch its latest campaign on July 23 and will accept sign-ups through September 3, 2025.
Residents who join either program can get a free assessment and take advantage of discounted rates, access to trusted installers, educational events, and ongoing support throughout the process to ensure a seamless experience, from the initial consultation to installation. Registration is free and there’s no obligation to proceed with an installation.
In light of the federal tax credit, possible net metering changes, discounted pricing and rising electricity rates, homeowners who delay may miss the opportunity to take full advantage of the biggest incentives available for going solar:
Solar systems installed by December 31, 2025 are still eligible for the 30 percent federal income tax credit, a significant savings opportunity that will no longer be available starting in 2026 due to recent changes in federal legislation. But time is running out: with installation timelines stretching to 3-4 months and increasing demand across Virginia, residents are encouraged to sign a contract by the end of August to ensure completion by year’s end.
Virginia residents are also facing significant increases in electricity rates. By going solar now, homeowners can sharply reduce their power bills in the future.
The current net metering rates are at risk. Dominion Energy has proposed reducing these credits starting in 2026. Systems installed by the end of this year will be grandfathered into current rules, receiving a full 1:1 energy credit for the electricity they send back to the grid.
Fairfax County also offers incentives for solar, such as waived permit fees and a 5-year solar energy equipment property tax exemption. Visit Going Solar in Fairfax County to learn more.
Solarize Virginia is a community-based outreach initiative managed by the Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Charlottesville, Va., that makes solar energy more accessible and affordable. For more information, visit www.SolarizeVa.org
“We’ve seen firsthand the positive impact that going solar has on households and the environment,” Katie VanLangen, Co-Executive Director of LEAP and long-time leader of the Solarize Program, states. “By switching now, Virginians can lock in significant savings and protect themselves from rising utility rates, all while contributing to climate goals.
Switch Together is supported by a partnership between national nonprofit Solar United Neighbors and multiple cities and counties throughout the United States. As well as making rooftop solar installations more affordable, Switch Together offers home battery storage and EV chargers easier to access. The program offers a reverse auction with qualified installers who compete to offer their most competitive prices. The most recent auction secured an average discount of $6,958. For more information, visit SwitchTogether.com/Solar/FairfaxCounty
Fairfax County is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Environmental Excellence Awards, a prestigious award that recognizes exceptional commitment to environmental stewardship.
Each year the Environmental Excellence Awards honors those who have made significant contributions towards protecting, improving, and educating about the natural world in Fairfax County. The awards are open to individual residents, organizations, businesses, and county employees whose contributions include:
Advancing or supporting the county's environmental goals and policies
Dedicating personal time and expertise beyond their usual fiscal or civic responsibilities
Demonstrating leadership and serving as role models for others
Administered by the Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC) on behalf of the Board of Supervisors, with support from the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination, the awards aim to motivate and inspire continued dedication to environmental sustainability within the community.
To be eligible for the 2025 awards, nominees' achievements should be within the period from June 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025, or span multiple years that include a portion of this timeframe.
To submit a nomination, please complete the online form by August 8, 2025.
SUBMIT A NOMINATION
For more information about the awards and to view past winners, please visit the Environmental Excellence Awards page.