Solar panels capable of powering 1,500 homes will soon be installed at four Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority-owned (WMATA) facilities. In a request for proposals (RFP), WMATA is offering a 15-year solar ground lease to develop and operate solar photovoltaic (PV) power systems on surface and rooftop parking lots at Anacostia, Cheverly, Naylor Road, and Southern Avenue stations.

“Offering these Metro-owned sites for use as solar power stations will advance Metro’s commitment to sustainability while generating new revenue to support transit services and keep fares affordable,” said WMATA GM/CEO Paul J. Wiedefeld.

The solar panels will be owned, operated, installed, and maintained by a solar energy provider at no cost to WMATA or taxpayers.

The agency’s surface and rooftop parking garages provide optimal exposure for solar power, offering a rare opportunity in the Washington Region to generate up to 15,000,000 kWh of renewable energy annually, enough to power 1,500 single family homes for one year.

Installing new solar canopies will benefit WMATA’s parking customers by providing shade and snow protection for the top level of parking garages, along with lighting improvements.

Solar panels are expected to be installed and supplying renewable energy by late 2020 or early 2021.

Proposals are due on September 16, 2019.