Fairfax County has completed its largest solar installation to date, a 5.0-megawatt AC solar array at the I-95 Landfill Complex, marking a significant step in the county's clean energy initiatives and becoming the first solar array in Virginia built on a closed landfill. The project, celebrated on May 28, is expected to power approximately 920 homes annually and save Fairfax County taxpayers an estimated $12 million over 30 years.
Constructed on 37 acres at 9850 Furnace Road in Lorton, the installation is a result of a 30-year Power Purchase Agreement with Madison Energy Infrastructure. John Morrill, Director of the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC), said, "This ribbon cutting event is more than a ceremonial moment — it’s proof that climate action and fiscal responsibility can go hand in hand." He added that the project creates a model for future clean energy developments on county land while reducing carbon emissions by an estimated 94,000 metric tons.
This achievement comes as Fairfax County continues to advance its broader climate goals, despite a slight increase in greenhouse gas emissions between 2020 and 2023, primarily due to a rebound in vehicle travel post-pandemic. The recently released 2025 Climate Action Progress and Highlights Report indicates an overall 28% reduction in county emissions since 2005. Morrill noted that "Fairfax County continues to move forward on climate action" through strong partnerships.
Furthering its commitment to sustainability, the county is implementing a ban on EPS food foam containers for all Virginia food establishments by July 1, 2026, and expanding textile recycling to five drop-off locations. Residents are also encouraged to participate in programs like Solarize Virginia and Switch Together for discounted solar installations and heat pump upgrades, with deadlines in July and August. Additionally, the federal tax credit for home EV chargers is set to expire on June 30, 2026, prompting residents to explore options through the Charge Up Fairfax program.
These initiatives, alongside efforts to streamline residential permit processing for solar panels and promote e-bikes, underscore Fairfax County's ongoing dedication to reducing its environmental footprint and building a more resilient community for the future.