More people in Prince William County are installing solar panels in their homes.
Last year, the County’s Development Services office granted 274 permits for solar panel installations, up from just 14 in 2016 — a more than 1,600% increase.
With such a growing interest in the technology used to power homes, Prince William County will hold a series of training seminars for members of the solar energy industry, including designers and building contractors.
The free two-hour online seminar is designed to train participants on how to expedite Residential Solar Panel Installation project plans in the County.
“Many of the solar contractors are walking into our offices for the first time, green, and asking questions like ‘how do I submit a plan,” said Prince William County Development Services Director Wade Hugh. “Each jurisdiction is different, and these contractors are going through a learning curve.”
Seminar participants will learn how to access the County’s ePortal; an online resource used to submit and track plans. Contractors will also learn how to navigate the plan review process and the structural and electrical plan review requirements.
Three online training seminars will be held:
- Monday, August 22, 2022, 1 – 3 p.m.
- Tuesday, August 23, 2022, 1 – 3 p.m.,
- Monday, August 29, 2022, 10 a.m. – noon
Participation is first-come, first-served and limited to 40 participants per seminar. Those interested in attending one of the two-hour virtual training seminars should contact Tynika Hardesty at [email protected] to register. After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the selected training seminar.
Over 688 Prince William County residents have solar energy power systems.
“The technology has exploded very quickly. It’s like a perfect storm: Climate change, the interest in renewable energy, and a county tax rebate for solar power have all led to the growth,” said Hugh.
The Board of County Supervisors created a sustainability office in 2021, which will track the county government’s impact on the environment and implement recommendations from a newly-created sustainability commission.
Last year, the Department of Development Services implemented a Residential Solar Energy Systems ePlans Checklist. More information is available online, by email [email protected] or by calling 703-792-6930.
