Solar Carport Project

En Español

As one of the single largest energy users in the region, Metro is an important partner for meeting regional energy goals. We are leveraging our real estate portfolio to deliver renewable energy to local communities through our innovative and community-oriented solar carport project.

In 2020, Metro negotiated a 25-year contract with TotalEnergies (formerly SunPower Corporation's Commercial & Industrial Solar Business) to install the solar paneled carports and subsidiaries of MN8 Energy LLC (f/k/a Goldman Sachs Renewable Power LLC) to own and operate the solar carports at four Metro sites, Anacostia, Cheverly, Naylor Road, and Southern Avenue stations.

When the solar carports are operational, the 11 acres of solar panels (equivalent to 8 football fields) will collectively generate around 10 megawatts of electrical capacity. This is equivalent to generating power used by at least 1,100 homes annually*, making this project one of the largest community solar projects in the Mid-Atlantic and in the nation.

solar carport

The project is part of Metro's sustainability initiatives and Energy Action Plan and will help advance the Clean Energy DC Plan that seeks to cut carbon emissions in half and transition to 100 percent renewable energy by 2032.

*According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

What are Solar Carports?

Solar carports are overhead steel canopies that support solar panels which collect sunlight, a renewable energy source, and convert it to electricity. The electricity will be sent to the local grid and delivered to local homes and businesses by the utility.

Goals

  • Provide renewable energy to Pepco's service area by partnering with TotalEnergies to install photovoltaic solar panels, which collect sunlight and convert to electricity to send to the grid. All electricity generated will be delivered to residential and commercial customers.
  • Support Metro's operating budget through long-term revenue from subsidiaries of MN8 which will own and operate the solar power system and provide annual lease payments to Metro.
  • Improve customer amenities through covered parking and covered bus bays (offering shade and protection from extreme weather), improved light-emitting diode (LED) lighting, new security cameras and emergency call boxes.

Construction Timeline

Construction is expected to be complete by mid-2024. Visit the advisories to learn more about parking or station changes due to construction.

Available Resources