Discounts offered for solar energy

The annual Solarize NOVA program is underway, providing bulk discounts on solar systems for homes and businesses.

The Solarize campaign is offered in partnership with the Local Energy Alliance Program and the Northern Virginia Regional Commission. The campaign runs from April 1 through June 30.

The program includes a free assessment of the property to determine if it is suitable for solar. People who decide to proceed with a solar installation will gain access to vetted solar installers and receive a discount on the market rate for the array.

The program also offers fixed pricing for electric vehicle charging stations and discounts on battery storage to accompany a solar array. The program allows participants to bundle their purchases and make major moves toward a more sustainable lifestyle.

This year, two pre-qualified vendors will serve Fairfax County: Prospect Solar and Solar Energy World.

It’s important to express interest in the program early as the federal income tax credit for solar installations will drop from 26 percent to 22 percent at the end of the year. In order to take advantage of the higher rate, Solarize participants will need to have completed their installation by Dec. 31.

There will be four virtual information sessions on the Solarize discount program: April 5 at 12 p.m.; April 27 at 6 p.m.; May 19 at 3 p.m.; and June 7 at 1 p.m.

Visit Solarize NOVA to sign up for one of these sessions and learn more about the program.