Yesterday, The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) announced a deal with the private sector to install solar panels at four metro stops across D.C. and Prince George’s County. The combined project will be the largest community solar project in the National Capital Area.

Metro will lease space to SunPower Corporation and Goldman Sachs Renewable Power to install solar arrays in return for $50 million over 25 years. The projects will come at no cost to Metro. Photovoltaic solar panels will cover 17 acres of space, with 12.8 megawatts of generating capacity – enough to power 1,500 single-family homes. The panels will be installed on top of garages, as well as car ports and canopies that will also provide shade for vehicles in outdoor lots.  Metro has suffered financial stress due to a decline in ridership resulting from the pandemic, and the deal provides Metro with a long-term revenue source. Construction will begin in early 2021.

“The installation of solar panels at Cheverly, Southern Avenue and Naylor Road Metrorail stations will contribute to lower carbon emissions for the region while creating a new source of power for our communities,” said Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. “This project is another step forward in making our County and region a leader in renewable energy.”

For more information view the press release.