OEEC News and Events

Interested in letting the sun pay your bills? Two programs available to Fairfax County homeowners – Switch Together and Solarize Virginia – are back for another round. Fairfax County is pleased to support these group buying programs, which helps homeowners and small businesses secure a high-quality rooftop solar installation at a lower price. Both programs make switching to solar a snap by offering: A free assessment to find out whether your home is a good candidate for solar installation Bulk discounts on solar systems, at least 10% lower than the regional average Access to a qualified solar installer, ongoing support and no obligation to purchase. “Going solar can seem like an overwhelming and expensive process, but it doesn’t have to be,” said John Morrill, Director of Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination. “Through the power of group purchasing, Solarize and Switch Together provide an excellent opportunity for residents to switch to clean, renewable energy.” Switch Together (formerly Solar Switch) Backed by nonprofit Solar United Neighbors, Switch Together organizes a reverse auction with qualified installers who compete to offer their most competitive prices. This ensures participants receive a discount on a high-quality solar installation. The most recent auction secured an average discount of $6,201 on a 9.3 kW system. In addition to the group discount, residents may qualify for the 30% federal tax credit. The program also offers discounted prices for optional add-ons such as battery storage and electric vehicle chargers. Last year, nearly 1,600 households across the county registered for the program, leading to 112 installations and counting.   “If you've ever thought about going solar, now's the time," said Tori Delhagen of Solar United Neighbors. "Switch Together provides members with a competitive bid from a vetted installer. You'll receive expert support every step of the way." Visit SwitchTogether.com/Solar/FairfaxCounty to register for free or learn more. The final day to register and accept a personal recommendation is June 4, 2025. Solarize Virginia Managed by nonprofit Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP), the Solarize Virginia program is now in its eleventh year. Last year alone nearly 270 residents in Fairfax County registered for Solarize, resulting in 23 installations. Since 2014, the program has supported more than 450 installations in Fairfax County.* Solarize will officially start its 2025 campaign on April 15 but residents can sign up now through July 15, 2025. During the campaign, program participants can attend free webinars and receive expert opinions about the feasibility of solar panels for their homes and buildings. To sign up for free or get more information, go to www.solarizeva.org. Both programs are open this spring for a limited time – so sign up soon! More Resources Fairfax County also offers resources and benefits for homeowners looking to install solar, such as waived permit fees and tax exemptions on solar equipment. Learn more by visiting Going Solar in Fairfax County. Go Solar About Solar United Neighbors Solar United Neighbors is a national nonprofit organization that represents the needs and interests of solar owners and supporters. Bulk purchase programs, like Switch Together, are part of the organization’s mission to create a new energy system with rooftop solar at the cornerstone. Solar United Neighbors holds events and education programs to help people become informed solar consumers, maximize the value of their solar investment, and advocate for fair solar policies. About LEAP The Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2009 with a mission to advance energy efficiency and sustainability in our community. Their vision is to create a more energy-efficient and resilient community, reducing our carbon footprint while improving the quality of life for all. They offer a wide range of services, from home energy assessments to solar installations, helping our community reduce energy consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions.   *Editor's Note: Information about the Solarize Virginia program was updated on 4/3/2025.

Join the Sustain Fairfax Challenge and see how your everyday actions can make a big difference on the environment and your community’s well-being. The launch of the challenge web app coincides with Sustain Fairfax, a public awareness campaign to foster environmental stewardship and promote sustainable practices among county residents and businesses. During the challenge, you can track your efforts to make changes and invite friends, groups and other communities to join you in adopting changes. The app lists various climate solutions and how shows how adopting simple actions in your daily life can positively affect the environment. The challenge fosters community engagement, allowing residents to connect with friends and neighbors, share tips and celebrate their successes together. Read the Full Story on NewsCenter