Occoquan District Supervisor Kenny Boddye Directs County to Increase Solar Power Capacity
With more people worried about the cost of energy and the International Energy Agency citing solar power as the cheapest form of energy, Occoquan District Supervisor Boddye is calling for Prince William County to pilot a solar rooftop and parking canopy program.
Boddye, who authored the County’s 2020 Climate Mitigation & Resiliency goals, directed the County Executive to conduct an analysis of installers (including Dominion Energy), structural feasibility at County-owned facilities, and potential funding and ownership mechanisms, such as Power Purchase Agreements (PPA), Renewable Energy Certificates (REC), and property leases.
He noted that some of these mechanisms offer the possibility of installing and maintaining equipment at no cost to the County, and that leasing space for solar arrays could generate revenue while increasing grid resiliency. Parking canopies would have the added benefit of reducing heat island effects by providing shade, and protecting vehicles from the elements.
“When it comes to energy, Prince William County should lead by example, maximizing the use of public facilities while moving us closer to the Climate Mitigation & Resiliency Goals I introduced in 2020,” said Boddye. “Installing solar panels at County properties also positions us to meet grid demand head-on at a time when energy costs are a growing concern for so many of us.”
The directive also instructs staff to provide the Board with proposed timelines, fiscal impacts, and legal considerations for the pilot program, and to consider buildings not included in the County’s existing solar feasibility study, such as the Crisis Receiving Center and Neabsco/Potomac Commuter Garage.
“I am confident we can balance innovations in clean energy with practical solutions that address both environmental responsibility and the financial well-being of Prince William County residents,” said Boddye.