New Solar Program for County Residents -

I strongly recommend home owners to consider participating in this program. You have nothing to loose. Energy audit and solar evaluation is worth it and you don't have to commit. Tax benefit is the icing on the cake. Few years ago, after we looked into it for a long time, we upgraded our HVAC and bundled it with solar and our tax credit covered the cost of solar panels.

If you want any other details - let me know.

Loudoun County Joining Solarize NOVA Program

The Loudoun County government is partnering with the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC) and the Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) to promote the use of solar power in Loudoun County homes and business. The Solarize NOVA program launches in Loudoun County on October 1, 2016.

Solarize NOVA is a grassroots, community-based outreach initiative sponsored by NVRC and LEAP that aims to make solar power more accessible and affordable. The program offers a one-stop-shop for community members to learn more about solar power options for their homes and businesses, and facilitate the installation and financing of their own project. Through bulk purchasing and free solar site assessments, Solarize NOVA puts solar within reach.

Through November 30, 2016, Loudoun County residents can utilize Solarize NOVA to learn more about solar power options specific to their homes and take advantage of a streamlined installation and financing process. A complimentary home energy checkup is also being offered as a part of this program.

Three Solarize NOVA workshops have been scheduled for Loudoun area residents and business owners who are interested in learning more about their solar and reduced-pricing options. The workshops are free and open to the public and will be held on the following dates:

• Tuesday, October 25, 2016; 6:30 p.m. – Gum Spring Library, 24600 Millstream Drive, Stone Ridge
• Monday, November 7, 2016; 6:30 p.m. – Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls
• Tuesday, November 22, 2016; 6:30 p.m. – Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Road, N.W., Leesburg

“We encourage members of the Loudoun community to take advantage of this program by considering solar energy and finding out whether your home or business is a good candidate for solar,” said Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis J. Randall, who is also a NVRC Commissioner. “This program may help lower energy costs by increasing our use of efficient, renewable energy sources.”

Reasons to solarize your house or commercial property include:

• It’s More Affordable than Ever: The 30% federal tax credit has been extended through 2019, and Solarize NOVA adds more discounts. When community residents rally behind solar, local installers are able to offer lower prices to solarize participants through bulk purchasing, reduced travel, and offset marketing costs. Prices are expected to be discounted 15 to 18%. Also, LEAP will help participants access the 30% federal tax credit and navigate the Solar Renewable Energy Credit market.

• Higher Home Values: Recent studies have shown that homes with solar are appraised with a premium of 3 to 6% based on the region, with a price boost of about $10,000-$22,000.
• Rising Energy Costs: The Energy Information Administration projects a 2% annual rise in residential energy rates for the mid-Atlantic. Solar customers regularly see an 8% or better return on investment.
• Curiosity Never Hurts: Solarize NOVA offers free solar site assessments to help you figure out if solar is even right for your home or business (taking into consideration roof space/position and tree cover), and budget.

Loudoun joins other jurisdictions where LEAP has implemented successful solarize programs, including Leesburg and Purcellville and Alexandria, Dumfries, Charlottesville, Fredericksburg, Herndon, Vienna, City of Falls Church, City of Fairfax, Nelson County, and the nine-county territory served by the Piedmont Environmental Council.

More information about the Solarize NOVA program is posted online at www.SolarizeLoudoun.org .