NORFOLK, Va. – National Renewable Energy Day is the perfect time to announce energy-saving makeovers at two City of Norfolk facilities. Norfolk Fire-Rescue Station 2 (2501 Church St.) and Station 12 (1655 W. Little Creek Rd.) will harness the power of the sun and generate clean, efficient electricity with newly installed rooftop solar panels.
Adding solar panels on the two stations is part of the City’s commitment to expanding access to renewable energy, an initiative led by the Department of General Services’ Environmental Sustainability division and outlined in Norfolk’s Climate Action Plan. Dominion Energy Solutions and Solar Energy Solutions have lent their design and implementation expertise to ensure seamless renewable energy technology integration at the stations. The Fire Stations are among the first City of Norfolk facilities chosen to utilize solar energy.
Key features of this project include:
Renewable Energy Production: Solar panels will generate electricity needed to power the fire stations, reducing dependence on traditional energy sources. The two systems add up to 150kW of solar generated power.
Cost Savings: Through a Power Purchase Agreement, the City of Norfolk pays a much lower rate for the energy generated via the panels with no costs for the installation or long-term maintenance. The City of Norfolk anticipates cost savings on energy bills of between 25 and 35 percent.
Environmental Impact: Harnessing clean energy will reduce the City’s carbon emissions and contribute to the goal of reducing energy use throughout City government facilities by 20 percent by 2032.
Community Awareness: Installing solar energy systems on fire stations demonstrates the City’s leadership in environmental stewardship and inspires residents to consider renewable energy options at their homes and businesses.
Residents and businesses interested in exploring solar energy options can visit www.norfolk.gov/solar.