The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is planning to install solar panels at four of its facilities via a lease it is offering.
The 15-year lease will authorize a company to install, operate and maintain solar photovoltaic (PV) power systems capable of generating energy for 1,500 homes “on surface and rooftop parking lots at Anacostia, Cheverly, Naylor Road and Southern Avenue stations,” according to a press release.
With respect to the request for proposals (RFP) issued Wednesday by Metro, Paul J. Wiedefeld, Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, said:
“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.”
Metro proposal would add solar parks at four stations, providing clean energy and generating new revenue to support transit https://t.co/ErixIm873G #wmata pic.twitter.com/XDmFPepocs
— Metro (@wmata) July 17, 2019
According to WMATA’s announcement, Metro’s rooftop parking spaces are suitable for exposure for solar power, which are rare spots in the D.C. area, that can generate up to 15,000,000 kWh of renewable energy per year. This is said to be equal to the amount 1,500 single family homes would use in a year.
Metro points out that its parking customers will make use of the new solar panels on the rooftops, as they will provide shade and snow protection for the top level of garages.
The solar panel project is scheduled to be implemented by late 2020 or early 2021.