Energy Conservation Assistance Program
Matching grants help community associations and qualifying nonprofits in Fairfax County improve the energy efficiency, renewable energy supply and climate resilience of their own property.
Diese Finanzierungsmöglichkeit ist derzeit auf Englisch beschrieben.
The county reimburses 50% of approved actual project costs. Organizations in an equity-designated area may qualify for 75% reimbursement, reducing their own contribution from 50% to 25%. The Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) determines this when reviewing the application; you can also check with oeecinfo@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-324-7136.
Energy audits can receive up to $5,000, while efficiency, clean energy and resilience projects share an annual reimbursement ceiling of $10,000 per organization. The combined annual maximum is $15,000 when one application is for an audit. Excluding audits, the lifetime limit is $20,000 per organization, or up to three approved applications.
Supported efficiency work includes efficient lighting, weatherization, occupancy sensors, smart thermostats, more efficient heating and cooling systems, appliances and windows. Equipment or materials must be ENERGY STAR certified or have a comparable efficiency rating.
An audit is a professional assessment and report on the property. It must be completed within two years by a certified professional. It must meet at least ASHRAE Level 2 or similar audit requirements and include two years of monthly facility energy data. Submit the audit report for reimbursement and with any application for work based on its recommendations.
Clean energy systems must be installed by a certified professional. Solar must offset at least 20% of the designated building's total energy use. Only one application for clean energy or resilience is allowed in each July–June application period.
Battery storage must provide backup power sized to serve a community resource such as a resilience hub or cooling centre, and/or be controlled to reduce the building's peak electricity demand. Battery installations to back up emergency circuits required by building rules are excluded. Cool roofs use light-reflecting materials or paint. They must reduce cooling energy use and be designed and installed to EPA guidance, LEED-associated standards or similar, with documentation. Other projects can be considered if you demonstrate improved building or site resilience, efficiency or reduced energy use.
Eligibility
Your organization must be located in Fairfax County, including the towns of Herndon and Vienna, and be one of the following:
- A common-interest community, such as a homeowners or condominium owners association.
- A nonprofit recreational association or organization.
- A nonprofit promoting energy efficiency or providing energy efficiency services.
- A nonprofit association or organization that beautifies or maintains communities to prevent deterioration.
- A charitable institution or association. Religious organizations qualify when the funds provide community services for secular purposes.
You must improve facilities or property your organization owns, demonstrate participation from your community or organization, and provide the required 50% contribution, or 25% in an equity-designated community. Individual homeowners and businesses are ineligible.
New applicants receive priority, alongside projects with greater efficiency gains, renewable energy generation and higher community vulnerabilities.
How to apply
- Status
- Laufende Antragstellung
- Beschränkungen dieser Antragsrunde
- Applications may be submitted throughout each July 1–June 30 year. Approval depends on available funding. Obtain approval before work or purchases.
Apply through the county's linked ECAP online application form. Applications are accepted throughout the July–June year and reviewed on a rolling basis, subject to available funds. Get OEEC's approval email and approved reimbursement amount before starting work or purchasing equipment, supplies or services. Earlier purchases may invalidate reimbursement; retroactive grants are not available.
Include the property owner's support letter describing the site, project scope, equipment quantities, operating hours, location and commitment to fund implementation; a budget and/or contractor bids or quotes; a signed W-9; and an energy audit where applicable. At least two quotes are recommended rather than mandatory, although OEEC may request more. Additional quotes may not be needed if the contractor is vetted by a third-party organization.
You can submit two applications in a year when one is an audit and the other implements an audit recommendation, or when both projects follow recommendations from an audit completed within the past two years. Otherwise, only one application is allowed. An audit must have its own application; other applications can include multiple projects. The clean energy/resilience limit and annual reimbursement caps still apply.
After approval, purchase or carry out the project. When it is complete, submit the online reimbursement form with receipts. Reimbursement checks are issued approximately 45 days after that request is approved.