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Fairfax County, in collaboration with Clean Air Partners, is excited to announce a series of “Green Your Lawn” events aimed at promoting air quality awareness and sustainable lawn care practices. These events will provide residents with practical tips on reducing emissions from yard work and offer opportunities to exchange gas-powered lawn tools for free electric alternatives.
Event Details:
May 17, Reston Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to Noon
May 18, Lorton Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to Noon
May 24, Ace Hardware in Fairfax, Va., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.*
June 8, Healthy Together Fairfax, Franconia Park, 12- 3 p.m.*
(*Event will feature Backyard Bubble)
Residents attending the events will learn simple yet effective tips to improve air quality in their communities and can enter for a chance to win free electric lawn tools. Some events will feature the interactive Backyard Bubble, an engaging way to understand the impact of lawn care on air quality. To further support this initiative, residents can register to trade in their polluting gas-powered lawn tools in exchange for new Ego Power+ mowers, blowers, and trimmers.
At the May 24 “Green Your Lawn” event at Ace Hardware in Fairfax, Braddock District Supervisor James R. Walkinshaw will be joined by City of Fairfax Mayor Catherine S. Read and Councilmember Thomas D. Peterson to recognize Air Quality Awareness.
“As temperatures rise, so does the risk of poor air quality,” said Walkinshaw, Chair of the Board’s Environmental Committee. “By encouraging the switch to electric lawn equipment, we can cut harmful emissions, protect public health, and make our neighborhoods cleaner and more livable.”
According to Clean Air Partners, using a gas-powered leaf blower for 1 hour creates as much air pollution as driving a car for 1,100-plus miles. Besides opting for electric lawn tools, you can do your share for clean air by:
Mowing only on good air quality days
Using organic fertilizers & pesticides
Leaving grass clippings to make your own mulch
“We are thrilled to offer these events and tool exchanges to our community,” said John Morrill, director of Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination “By making the switch to electric lawn tools and implementing sustainable lawn care practices, we can all contribute to cleaner air and a healthier environment.”
Join us in our efforts to green your lawn and improve our air quality. Register now for one of the “Green Your Lawn” events and take the first step towards a more sustainable future.
For more information and to register for the tool exchange, visit the registration form.
REGISTER FOR THE TOOL EXCHANGE
Visit the county's electric-powered lawn equipment page to learn more about the benefits of making the switch.
About Clean Air Partners
Clean Air Partners is a public-private partnership that educates the greater metropolitan Washington-Baltimore region about the health risks associated with poor air quality and the benefits of reducing air pollution.
Burke Lake Golf Course is going green in a big way this Earth Month with the activation of a new 55-kilowatt rooftop solar array, now generating clean, renewable energy atop its clubhouse. This installation is part of a broader solar initiative across Fairfax County facilities and marks the third solar array to date installed by the Fairfax County Park Authority FCPA.
The new array will offset an estimated 22% of the golf center’s annual electricity needs. This is enough to power six homes per year and significantly reduce the site's environmental footprint.
“By switching on this solar array at Burke Lake Golf Center, we are taking another step towards a greener and more sustainable future for Fairfax County" said John Morrill, director of the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination. "This effort underscores the county's commitment to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, cut energy costs, protect the environment, and advance our county’s Operational Energy Strategy goals.”
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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.