Ameresco and BXP Celebrate Launch of Innovative Solar Canopy Project in Reston, Virginia
Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE: AMRC), a leading clean technology integrator specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions, announced the commercial operation of a major solar photovoltaic (PV) canopy project located in Reston, Virginia. The project, developed in partnership with BXP, Inc. (NYSE: BXP)—the largest publicly traded developer, owner, and manager of premier workplaces in the United States—marks a key achievement in the companies’ shared pursuit of advancing sustainable infrastructure and accelerating the transition to clean energy.
The newly commissioned solar canopy, with a capacity of 1.3 megawatts (MW), is anticipated to generate approximately 1.5 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of renewable electricity annually. This clean energy will support the energy demands of the Reston Town Center facility, a prominent commercial and retail hub within the Washington, D.C. metro area.
This milestone project not only enhances energy efficiency for the Reston Town Center but also provides multiple long-term benefits, including reduced reliance on the regional electric grid, increased energy price stability, and enhanced energy security. Importantly, the project aligns with broader state and federal goals related to climate action, energy transition, and infrastructure modernization.
Strategic Collaboration Between Industry Leaders
The solar canopy project reflects a close collaboration between Ameresco and BXP, two organizations with deep expertise and a shared commitment to climate-smart innovation. BXP has long been at the forefront of sustainable real estate development and management, while Ameresco brings decades of experience in implementing renewable energy systems, energy performance contracting, and grid resilience strategies.
“Ameresco has been a critical partner in the delivery of impactful solar projects,” said Ben Myers, Senior Vice President of Sustainability at BXP. “This project required overcoming several economic, technical, and logistical hurdles. Ameresco’s commitment to the project, creativity, and proficiency in developing on-site, clean energy in the context of the bustling Reston Town Center, was essential in making this project a success.”
The development process for the canopy project involved extensive planning and execution. Situated on top of a multi-level parking garage, the system represents an intelligent use of underutilized urban infrastructure. This design not only avoids additional land usage—a frequent barrier in densely developed urban settings—but also offers shaded parking for vehicles, thus adding value for property users.
Benefits of Solar Canopy Projects in Urban Environments
Solar canopies are emerging as a practical and strategic solution for urban and suburban settings, where land availability for traditional ground-mounted solar installations is limited. By utilizing the horizontal surface area of parking decks, these installations allow businesses and municipalities to incorporate large-scale renewable energy without compromising on space for other operational needs.
Ameresco’s solar PV system at the Reston Town Center is a prime example of how integrated clean energy technologies can deliver environmental and economic benefits. The annual output of 1.5 million kWh is equivalent to offsetting greenhouse gas emissions from over 1,000 metric tons of CO₂—comparable to the annual emissions of more than 200 passenger vehicles. In addition to reducing emissions, the system will help stabilize energy costs for BXP by providing a predictable and low-cost source of electricity over the life of the system.
Moreover, these types of on-site generation projects contribute to local grid reliability. By producing power close to where it is consumed, solar systems reduce the need for long-distance electricity transmission, which in turn minimizes line losses and alleviates stress on grid infrastructure. This is especially relevant in urban areas where energy demand continues to grow and where outages due to grid instability can have significant financial and operational impacts.
Overcoming Challenges in Project Execution
As with many infrastructure projects located in active urban areas, the Reston Town Center solar canopy required careful coordination to address logistical and regulatory complexities. Working in a high-traffic commercial zone demanded a flexible and creative approach to engineering, construction phasing, and stakeholder communication.
Ameresco’s ability to design and execute a solution that fits seamlessly within the existing infrastructure—while maintaining safety and minimizing disruption—demonstrates the company’s leadership in implementing complex clean energy solutions in real-world settings.
“We’re delighted to see our partnership with BXP begin delivering reliable energy solutions to downtown Reston,” said Jonathan Mancini, Senior Vice President – Solar Project Development East, PV Grid-Tie at Ameresco. “Developing the solar canopy project has been a phenomenal reminder of the innovative ways we can create solutions to provide energy security and resiliency to cities and towns across the country. We look forward to seeing Reston Town Center powered by efficient and affordable energy for years to come.”
Broader Sustainability Impacts and Policy Alignment
The successful commissioning of the Reston solar project also speaks to the growing momentum behind renewable energy investments at the local and national levels. Across the United States, municipalities and private sector leaders are responding to calls for decarbonization, climate resilience, and energy affordability by embracing projects like this one.
Virginia, in particular, has taken major steps toward transitioning to a clean energy economy. The Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA), passed in 2020, mandates that the state’s largest utilities achieve 100% carbon-free electricity by 2045. Solar power is a cornerstone of this transition. Projects such as the Ameresco-BXP solar canopy not only support local climate goals but also contribute to state-level targets for renewable energy deployment and greenhouse gas reductions.
At the federal level, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 has further catalyzed renewable energy development by expanding tax incentives for solar installations, battery storage systems, and other clean technologies. These incentives enhance the economic case for solar projects like the Reston Town Center canopy, helping developers and property owners accelerate project timelines and reduce upfront capital costs.
Scalable Models for Clean Energy Deployment
The Reston solar canopy project is more than just a localized energy solution—it serves as a scalable model for other commercial real estate developers, municipalities, and utility partners seeking to integrate renewable energy into existing infrastructure.
Ameresco and BXP’s successful collaboration highlights how integrated design, cross-sector partnerships, and technical innovation can produce energy solutions that are resilient, sustainable, and economically sound. As more property owners explore ways to meet sustainability targets while enhancing asset value, projects like this one are poised to become increasingly common.
For Ameresco, the completion of the Reston solar canopy adds to its growing portfolio of behind-the-meter solar installations across the United States. These projects, often situated in corporate campuses, educational institutions, government facilities, and healthcare campuses, reflect a broader shift toward decentralized and locally controlled energy resources.
As Ameresco continues to expand its offerings in solar, battery storage, and microgrid development, the company is helping to reshape how energy is produced, distributed, and consumed. In doing so, Ameresco plays a key role in addressing climate change while building stronger, more sustainable communities.
