Solar project will save residents millions
On May 28, supporters and supervisors of the largest solar project in Fairfax County history met to watch the ribbon-cutting and grand opening ceremony.
The I-95 Landfill Complex was once part of a partnership between Fairfax County, Washington, D.C. and other localities who contracted to use the facilities through a memorandum of understanding, with the county taking over the operation in 1982. It ceased operating as a MSW (metropolitan solid waste) facility in 1992, and the capping process was completed in 2008, according to DPWES.
The solar panel project on the landfill was proposed in 2017 and received approval from the Virginia General Assembly in 2020.
This solar project was built on top of a landfill that was accepting waste more than three decades ago. Eric Forbes, deputy director of the Solid Waste Management Program, said that the site was transformed into a resource that will be used for generations to come. The energy generated by the panels will flow through Dominion Energy’s grid, providing electricity to the county facilities such as school buildings and community centers. It is also estimated that this project will save Fairfax County about $12 million over its lifespan and enough power for 1,000 homes annually.
Six members of the project who spoke during the ceremony spoke of the importance of the project and its success. This project was described as a huge milestone for Fairfax County’s renewable energy strategy.
The project is designed to produce 5 megawatts of clean energy and is the county’s 13th solar installation. According to John Morrill, director of the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination, this project is meant to be the county’s most productive solar plant among the 13 currently in use. Morrill also said that the project is more than just the completion of construction; it is a model for future innovation and clean-energy development on public land.
Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck said this project shows how undeveloped properties can be repurposed to benefit the surrounding community. The energy savings will support future solar installations in the county, including schools, community centers, and government buildings.
Some of the long-term goals that were highlighted by the speakers focused on expanding solar energy across the county. One of the goals is to have solar energy across all county buildings by 2040 and for all homes in the county by 2050.
Madison Energy Infrastructure is the company that developed this project. Michael Fahey, the company’s vice president of delivery, stated that Madison Energy is currently developing and building projects in 28 states nationwide. He also said that Fairfax County is a strong example of strong collaboration in pursuing renewable energy sources.
“One of the most rewarding parts of this project was seeing a formal landfill be transformed into a productive facility for the community,” said Storck. He also described this development as an opportunity to transform an area once associated with waste disposal into a facility that will serve Fairfax County residents for decades to come.
Congressman James Walkinshaw applauded the people who have been petitioning and working to make this project successful.
“It takes a large team to bring a project like this to fruition,” said Walkinshaw, adding that the journey has spanned decades.
“We can be different in Lorton, we can make a difference in Lorton,” explained Storck. “This project is a large step forward in solar energy being implemented in Fairfax County, and making clean, cheaper energy available to all.”