Virginia's move toward expanded access to shared solar energy

Virginia is poised to broaden shared solar programs, aiming to include more residents in the push towards solar energy.

Charlie Paullin reports for Virginia Mercury.

In short:

• The proposed legislation seeks to increase shared solar capacity in Virginia, allowing more people to participate in renewable energy without installing panels.
• Low-income participants have been the primary subscribers under the current program, with new bills aiming to extend benefits and reduce costs for a broader audience.
• Additional measures include analyzing shared solar's benefits to the grid and potentially lowering the minimum bill, making the program more attractive to a wider range of customers.

Key quote:

"Where we ended up, we view it as incremental progress to continuing to move the market forward."

— Charlie Coggeshall, Mid-Atlantic regional director of the Coalition for Community Solar Access.

Why this matters:

The appeal of shared solar lies in its flexibility and inclusiveness. Renters, apartment dwellers, and those with shaded or unsuitable roofs can still participate in and benefit from renewable energy production. It's a straightforward way for communities to come together to invest in renewable energy, reduce carbon footprints, and support the transition to a more sustainable energy system.

In 2020, Brian Bienkowski wrote that solar power was on the rise at US schools.