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Starting May 1, community associations in Fairfax County interested in installing electric vehicle charging stations for their residents will be able to apply for technical assistance and partial reimbursement through the Charge Up Fairfax program.
Electric vehicles, or EVs, are better for the environment and less expensive to fuel and maintain than gas-powered vehicles. The convenience of at-home charging makes EV ownership more practical, but that can be a barrier for residents of community associations who may not have access to power near their parking space.
“Encouraging the use of EVs— which are better for the environment than conventional cars — is an important step toward achieving the county’s goal of community-wide carbon neutrality by 2050,” said John Morrill, director of the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination, which manages the Charge Up Fairfax program. “Providing more people with convenient and accessible charging options at home makes EV ownership an easier choice.”
Charge Up Fairfax helps community associations —including HOAs, condominiums, clusters, and co-ops —overcome those barriers by providing both technical assistance and financial support. Communities that are accepted into the program will receive a site visit and assessment from an engineering firm, paid for by the county. If the community association decides to proceed with the purchase and installation of Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations, they’ll hire a contractor to perform the necessary permitting, electrical upgrades, installation of equipment and final inspection.
Following installation, communities participating in the program can receive a reimbursement grant to cover one-third of eligible expenses. A new grant-only option is available to community associations who are ready to install charging stations but need financial support. Communities in certain equity designated areas may be eligible for up to $12,000 in some cases.
Beginning in 2023, OEEC worked with 10 pilot program communities to ensure the Charge Up Fairfax program was designed to meet their needs. Pilot communities are contacting contractors and coordinating with OEEC to prepare for the installation of EV charging stations.
Up to 8 community associations will be accepted into the program during this application period, which runs from May 1 through June 30. Another application period will open in the fall.
Communities can prepare to apply now by surveying residents, identifying charging locations, and reviewing governing documents and funding options.
OEEC will host a webinar on May 3 at 3 p.m. to address questions about the program and how to apply. Register now at https://bit.ly/ChargeUpWebinar2024.
REGISTER NOW FOR CHARGE UP WEBINAR
More information about the program and how to apply is available on the Charge Up Fairfax webpage.
The Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC) is seeking a student member to join the council for the July 2024 through June 2025 term. Interested high school sophomores and juniors are encouraged to apply by May 6.
EQAC’s primary function is to make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors for improving environmental protection and enhancement, including preparing an annual report on the state of the physical environment in Fairfax County. Each year, the council also administers the Environmental Excellence Awards to recognize individuals and organizations, businesses, and employees for advancing or supporting the county’s environmental goals and policies.
EQAC is composed of one citizen representative from each of nine magisterial districts, four at large members, and one student representative. Each member is appointed to serve a three-year term, except the student member, who serves during their junior or senior year of high school. The council generally meets in-person at the Fairfax County Government Center on the second Wednesday of each month, starting at 7:15 p.m.
The student member application is open to all interested high school sophomores and juniors living in Fairfax County (excluding cities of Fairfax and Falls Church) who are in good standing. Eligible public school, private school, parochial and homeschooled students are encouraged to apply.
See testimonials from past student members on the EQAC webpage under the Student Membership tab.
To apply, complete and submit the online student application form. All applications must be received by 11:59p.m. on Monday, May 6.
APPLY TO BE A STUDENT MEMBER
Three programs available to Fairfax County residents are making it easier to install a quality rooftop solar system at lower costs and to recycle older solar panels.
Solarize Virginia and Capital Area Solar Switch 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.
Both programs are open this spring for a limited time, and you can sign up now.
Meanwhile, the Solar Panel Recycling Program has been launched by our Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES). It offers a responsible method for residents to dispose of solar panels, contributing to a greener planet.
Using renewable energy like solar power can reduce your monthly energy bills, increase your home’s value and benefit the environment. Local incentives and a federal solar tax credit of 30% can further reduce installation costs, making solar energy more accessible than ever before.
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