Local families, advocates, and community leaders showcase solar as the cheapest, most reliable energy source for the Commonwealth  

Richmond, VA — From Richmond to Vienna to Leesburg, Virginians turned out in force this weekend to celebrate the first-ever International “Sun Day,” joining hundreds of communities nationwide in uplifting solar energy as the clean, affordable power of the future. More than 300 celebrations were organized across all 50 states, with nine events in the DC-Maryland-Virginia region sponsored or co-sponsored by Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) and a broad coalition of clean energy allies. 

In Richmond, dozens gathered at “Sun Day: A Day for Peace and the Planet,” co-hosted by CCAN, Third Act-RVA, the Richmond Peace Education Center, and the University of Richmond. The family-friendly event featured live music, art, climate education, and a call to accelerate solar energy deployment across Virginia.

In Vienna, community members celebrated the electrification of school buses at Louise Archer Elementary before touring a newly built PHIUS-certified net-zero home. Participants marveled at how energy-efficient features improve comfort, cut bills, and create healthier indoor environments. Throughout the day, large community banners declaring “Celebrate Solar” were displayed across town, uplifting solar as cleaner, cheaper, safer, and unlimited.

“For decades, we’ve called this stuff ‘alternative energy.’ We want to drive home the point that that’s not true anymore. This is the straightforward, common-sense, obvious way to power our future, the cheapest way to drive down electric prices, the easiest way to build a working America,” said Bill McKibben, co-founder of Third Act – the group that is the the driving force behind Sun Day  – as well as a pioneering environmental author, who has been instrumental in bringing global attention to climate change and the potential of renewable energy.

In Leesburg, visitors toured a home powered entirely by solar, where residents showcased how households can thrive on renewable energy without relying on polluting fossil fuels. The event offered a firsthand look at Virginia’s energy future while engaging families in conversations about transitioning toward 100% clean power. 

“Every day, the sun provides more energy than humanity could use in a year. It’s time we center our future around that gift,” said Ting Waymouth, Northern Virginia Organizer, Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN). “These events made clear that Virginians understand the urgency of the clean energy transition, and are ready to lead with solutions that protect families, lower bills, and safeguard our planet.”

These events are part of the DMV region’s participation in International Sun Day, a weekend of actions across the U.S. and the world, organized by a broad coalition of groups, including Third Act, Fossil Free Media, and others, as well as CCAN. More than 300 events are planned in all 50 states, with CCAN sponsoring or co-sponsoring 9 across the DMV region.

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Chesapeake Climate Action Network is the first grassroots organization dedicated exclusively to raising awareness about the impacts and solutions associated with global warming in the Chesapeake Bay region. Founded in 2002, CCAN has been at the center of the fight for clean energy and wise climate policy in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, DC, and beyond.