The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) has issued a request for proposals (RFP) seeking solar projects at four Metro-owned facilities.

Metro, which operates transit service in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, is offering a 15-year solar ground lease to develop and operate PV power systems on surface and rooftop parking lots at Anacostia, Cheverly, Naylor Road and Southern Avenue stations. The panels will be owned, operated, installed and maintained by a solar energy provider at no cost to Metro or taxpayers.

“Offering these Metro-owned sites for use as solar power stations will advance Metro’s commitment to sustainability while generating new revenue to support transit services and keep fares affordable,” says Paul J. Wiedefeld, general manager and CEO of Metro.

Metro says its surface and rooftop parking garages provide optimal exposure for solar power, offering an opportunity to generate up to 15 million kWh of renewable energy annually, enough to power 1,500 single-family homes for one year.

In addition, installing solar canopies will benefit Metro’s parking customers by providing shade and snow protection.

The projects are expected to be operational by late 2020 or early 2021. Proposals for the RFP are due Sept. 16.