The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) on April 4 activated a brand-new 307-kilowatt solar photovoltaic array installed on the natatorium and gymnasium roofs at Spring Hill RECenter in McLean.
The installation is part of a multi-faceted project to enhance energy efficiency at the facility. The new solar array, FCPA’s largest to date, generates enough energy to power 33 homes annually and is expected to reduce the center’s electricity needs by 13 percent.
Several ongoing improvements at the center significantly will reduce the building’s electrical and natural-gas consumption, officials said. Additional upgrades include replacement of pool-dehumidification units, installation of a geothermal heating-and-cooling system, LED-lighting upgrades and improvements to the building’s automation system.
“Being responsible stewards of the environment comes down to our simple everyday choices – our decision to recycle, to plant native plants, not to litter, to take care of our water supply and so forth,” said Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole. “We decided, when it was time to make improvements to the RECenter, that we would be intentional about installing fixtures and infrastructure that would minimize the impact on our environment, enhance user experience and save money in the long run.”
The project, a partnership with the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC), will help meet the county’s goals for carbon neutrality in its facilities, fleet vehicles and operations, including obtaining 50 percent of the county government’s electricity from renewable sources by 2040, officials said.
“Turning the switch at this solar project represents another step in our journey away from fossil fuels and toward a more sustainable future,” said OEEC director John Morrill. “Not only will this solar array save money in electricity costs over time, it confirms the county’s commitment to meeting the goals in our Operational Energy Strategy.”
Officials expect all related improvements to be completed this summer at Spring Hill RECenter, located at 1239 Spring Hill Road.
