Metro is hoping that the underused garages at some of its stations can instead be a source of revenue and promote sustainability. The agency is looking for a company to add solar panels to some of its parking lots and garage roofs.

Metro issued a request for proposals on Wednesday, seeking a company to install and maintain the panels for 15 years. They hope to pick a contractor by October. While the contractor would own the installations, Metro would get revenue from leasing its space.

Metro estimates the panels could produce enough solar energy to power 1,500 homes. In addition, the solar arrays could give shade and protection from weather for any vehicles parked underneath. The garages at the Anacostia and Southern Ave. stations and surface lots at Cheverly, Southern Ave. and Naylor Road stations are the four best optimized for solar panels, Metro says.

The transit agency says it’s open to expanding the program after they assess the first four installations.

Several other transit agencies across the country have added solar panels to their parking garages. Maryland recently approved solar panels on garages and other buildings.

Some neighborhood advocates say Metro should instead tear down the underused garages, some of which are regularly only about half full.

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