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WMATA OKs solar panel installation agreement

Rail News Home Sustainability 7/9/2020 Rail News: Sustainability
image SunPower will install photovoltaic solar panels at the Anacostia, Cheverly, Naylor Road and Southern Avenue WMATA stations.Photo – WMATA Facebook

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) yesterday signed an agreement with SunPower Corp. and Goldman Sachs Renewable Power LLC (GSRP) to install solar paneled carports or canopies over parking areas at four rail stations.

Combined, the four sites will have 12.8 megawatts of electrical capacity, making the installation the largest community solar project in the area and one of the largest in the nation, WMATA officials said in a press release.

Under the agreement, SunPower will install photovoltaic solar panels at the Anacostia, Cheverly, Naylor Road and Southern Avenue stations at no cost to WMATA. GSRP will own the solar power system and provide annual payments to WMATA through 2047. 

The agreement will provide a long-term revenue stream that will support the transit agency’s operations, WMATA officials said. The deal is worth up to $50 million over 25 years.

When the solar panel installation is completed, the stations will have 17 acres of photovoltaic solar panels and generate enough electricity to power at least 1500 single-family homes. Homes and businesses in Potomac Electric Power Co.’s District of Columbia and Maryland territory may register for a share of the energy generated by the project.

Contact Progressive Railroading editorial staff.

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