Newport News unveils solar at Early Childhood Development Center; city vows renewable‑ready buildings

Mayor Philip Jones unveiled solar panels installed on Newport News’s Early Childhood Development Center and said the city will design future new buildings to be "completely renewable energy compatible." The panels, Jones said, have been generating energy for several months and will serve as a model site for education and savings.

The mayor told attendees the system cut about 5 metric tons of carbon dioxide in its first 90 days and is projected to prevent roughly 125 tons of CO2 over a 25-year lifespan. He said the installation already delivers "tens of thousands of dollars" in annual energy savings and "several hundred thousand" over the system’s expected lifetime. Jones thanked Bay Electric Company, city sustainability staff (cited as Miss Jennifer), Councilwoman Tina Vic, BPCC and Peak for the partnership that delivered the project.

"This breakthrough in sustainability belongs to every single partner in this community," Jones said, urging the public to view the installation as part of the city's broader shift toward renewable design. He announced that moving forward "all new city building will be designed to be completely renewable energy compatible."

Cali Hogland, associate director of distributed generation solutions at Virginia Energy, said rooftop solar can reduce and stabilize electricity costs at community facilities and help keep energy dollars local. "Every dollar saved on electricity can go right back into this building and into the teachers, their classrooms, those kids and families," Hogland said, arguing that distributed solar also strengthens grid resilience as demand climbs.

A representative from Virginia Peninsula Community College, who noted the trade center nearby opened recently, praised the city's focus on education and workforce development and said projects like the solar installation reinforce that momentum.

A Peak Early Childhood Development Center representative said the facility has a lobby monitor that displays real-time solar production so families and students can see how panels work and learn about renewable energy. "As these kids grow up in hallways that are powered by the sun, I think the effects will ripple outward into the community," the representative said, and thanked city staff and Bay Electric for completing the project.

Organizers closed the program with a short performance by the facility's "sunshine singers" and light refreshments. Officials said the installation will serve as an on-site model for future renewable-ready city projects and an educational tool for families and students.

The city did not present a formal vote or ordinance at the event; officials framed the announcement as an operational milestone and a policy direction for future building design.