Henrico County, Dominion Energy install first free residential solar panels as part of program
VENN
HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- A Henrico resident is leading the movement to cleaner air and cheaper utility bills. On Wednesday, Henrico County and Dominion Energy finished their first residential solar panel installation as part of their "Solar Access Henrico" initiative.
The point of this partnership is to give low-income homeowners in Henrico County access to Dominion Energy's solar services for free.
At around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 23, the roof was a bare canvas, but by noon, the panels were installed. Dominion Energy and Henrico County officials told our team that this is just the beginning -- that they are reaching for the sun.
Living in her Henrico home for about two years, Vallarie Reilly learned that she qualified for "Solar Access Henrico" on April 1, so everything moved very quickly.
Photo courtesy of Dominion Energy
8News asked Reilly if she has been spreading the word about the program to her neighbors.
"You know, I have!" Reilly said. "You know I have. Knocking on your door, 'Hey, I'm having solar installed. Let me tell you about the program!"
Reilly was thrilled to pioneer this movement.
"The sun is shining on us and shining even more," Reilly said.
County officials told 8News that their $5 million fund can bring Dominion Energy solar power to up to 250 Henrico households.
Homeowners must make less than the area's median income and live somewhere accessible for the panels. Dominion Energy has information on how to tell whether or not you are eligible on its website.
"Totally free to me!" Reilly said. "Can you believe it?"
We're told the program will save Reilly an estimated $60,000 over the next 30 years.
Varina District Supervisor Tyrone Nelson explained how the county has prioritized its relationship with "Mother Nature" for decades -- adding that this is another sustainability success.
"It's not just about reducing costs for them, but it's also about environmental impacts, as well," Nelson said.
Reilly told our team how much this program means to her and her family.
"My grandbabies will have cleaner air to breathe," Reilly said. "[And] a reduction of bills... anytime you can reduce a bill, that's a win-win!"
