After years of remaining empty, some 37 acres of rolling hills at the I-95 Landfill Complex in Lorton are again serving a purpose. The area’s largest solar project has enabled the county to repurpose, or land recycle, the property and convert it into productive energy infrastructure, expand the local energy supply and help meet growing regional energy demand. The project, the first on a closed landfill in Virginia, also creates a model for future clean energy projects on county property.
The solar farm was developed through a partnership between the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) Solid Waste Management Program, Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination, the Office of the County Attorney and the Department of Procurement and Material Management and Madison Energy Infrastructure.
“This solar array, in combination with our ongoing methane gas capture, bird habitat management, rooftop solar and other site improvements, clearly demonstrate our commitment to creating and preserving a sustainable Fairfax County,” said Christopher Herrington, DPWES director.
The 5.0-megawatt solar array is expected to generate 5 percent of all electricity used in county government facilities, or enough energy to power 1,000 homes annually. Developed under a 30-year power purchase agreement, the system is expected to deliver approximately $12 million in savings to the county while reducing carbon emissions by an estimated 136,000 metric tons.
In addition to savings for the county government, the project also could mean savings for county residents. Developed under the Solar Freedom Act, which focuses on renewable energy, residents and businesses can purchase electricity through renewable sources, such as solar energy. Residents can also invest in solar energy through the county's Going Solar program
Learn About Going Solar in Fairfax County
Celebrating Benefits for the County and Its Residents
Local and county leaders, including Congressman James Walkinshaw, Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck, Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik and others, came together to celebrate the program's installation at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in May.
DPWES has completed other solar projects including rooftop solar systems at its Newington Solid Waste Facility in Lorton and at the I-66 Transfer Station in Fairfax.
More Information
To get information about the DPWES Solid Waste Management Program, contact 703-324-5320, email trashmail@fairfaxcounty.gov, or visit the DPWES webpage.
To learn more about Fairfax County’s renewable initiatives visit, the OEEC Office webpage.
SIGN UP FOR DAILY EMAIL HEADLINES