Contact:
Ashish Kapoor, Senior Climate Advisor, Piedmont Environmental Council
[email protected]; 540-347-2334 ext. 7054
Deborah Arenstein, LEAP Solar Program Manager, [email protected]
Jala Tyler, LEAP Marketing & Outreach Manager, [email protected]
WARRENTON, Va. (May 5 2025) – The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC), in collaboration with the Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP), is excited to announce the launch of Solarize Piedmont 2025. The initiative, which runs through July 15, is part of the statewide Solarize Virginia program that aims to connect residents in PEC’s nine-county service area — including Albemarle, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Loudoun, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock counties, as well as the City of Charlottesville — with pre-vetted solar installers and discounted pricing options for rooftop solar installations.
Since its launch in 2014, Solarize Virginia has helped over 1,500 Virginia homeowners transition to solar power. Last year alone, the program facilitated hundreds of new solar installations, saving residents thousands of dollars in energy costs.
“We’re continuing our partnership with LEAP because we strongly believe distributed generation, including rooftop and ground mounted solar, is an effective way to bring clean energy online quickly, save consumers significant money on their utility bills, and decrease impacts on conservation priorities,” said Ashish Kapoor, senior energy and climate advisor at the Piedmont Environmental Council.
“Solar installations that connect directly to the distribution grid and serve load closer to where people need energy makes renewable energy more affordable and accessible for everyone,” he said. “When the system is paired with battery backup, it further increases the consumer’s resiliency and energy independence.”
In addition to offering high quality materials, vetted installers, and support throughout the solar journey, Solarize pricing is 10-20% lower than market rate pricing. Residents who sign up can also take advantage of federal tax credits that allow for a deduction of 30% of the total cost of installing solar energy systems, as well as Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) and any municipal incentives that might be available.
“Our partnership with Piedmont Environmental Council is a key factor in reaching as many folks as possible with solar information,” said Deborah Arenstein, solar program manager at LEAP. “Whether you are going solar for economic or environmental reasons, Solarize offers homeowners everything they need to see if solar energy is the right fit for their needs.”
How It Works
The Solarize Piedmont process is straightforward:
- Residents sign up for a free assessment at www.solarizeva.org/sign-up
- LEAP conducts a satellite assessment of the property to determine solar viability.
- If suitable, participants are connected with a pre-vetted installer who will provide a customized proposal.
- The installer will provide the equipment and organize the necessary permits if the homeowner decides to proceed with installation – no commitment is required until a contract is signed with an installer.
Benefits of Solar Power
Solar power offers multiple benefits for homeowners and the environment, including energy independence and cost savings on energy bills, an offset against rising utility rates, a reduced carbon footprint, and an increase in property value. Additionally, Solarize Virginia offers battery storage systems and EV charging stations, providing a complete energy solution for environmentally conscious homeowners.
Homeowners and businesses in the Piedmont region can sign up for a free solar assessment through July 15, 2025. LEAP is offering free monthly webinars on May 20 and June 2 to provide additional information about the program and the benefits of solar energy.
To learn more and participate, visit https://www.solarizeva.org/events. Or visit www.pecva.org/solarize or www.solarizeva.org to sign up.
About PEC
The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) works to protect and restore the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont while building stronger, more sustainable communities. Learn more at www.pecva.org.
About LEAP
The Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Charlottesville, VA. As a trusted nonprofit, LEAP delivers energy-efficient solutions in Virginia to make homes safer, healthier, and more affordable, while reducing energy usage and mitigating climate change. Learn more at leap-va.org.
Downloadable High Resolution Images and Video
Rooftop Solar Installation in Warrenton
Photo Credit: Hugh Kenny, Piedmont Environmental Council
Local Family with Solarize Piedmont Installation Team
Photo courtesy of Piedmont Environmental Council
EV Charging Station Installed as Part of Solarize PIedmont
Photo Credit: Hugh Kenny, Piedmont Environmental Council
Solarize Virginia 2024 is Live Video
Video Credit: Hugh Kenny, Piedmont Environmental Council
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The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) works to protect and restore the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont, while building stronger, more sustainable communities. Founded in 1972, PEC is a locally based, community-supported 501(c)3 nonprofit and accredited land trust. At the core of PEC’s approach is a focus on educating, engaging and empowering people to effect positive change in their communities.