Virginia State Solar Overview
Virginia’s solar market has been shaped by the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA), which continues to drive significant growth in both utility-scale and distributed generation, alongside energy storage deployment and zero-carbon requirements.
Since its passage, the state has focused on implementing VCEA through expanded shared solar programs, evolving net metering and interconnection frameworks, and continued development of third-party ownership structures. Virginia remains one of the most active states for solar development, particularly at the utility scale.
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) remains actively engaged in regulatory and legislative processes, including proceedings at the State Corporation Commission, utility-scale siting reform, and distributed generation policy. SEIA also works closely with local partners such as CHESSA to advance solar deployment and provide guidance on renewable energy approvals and policy implementation.
During Virginia’s 2026 legislative session, SEIA helped pass a slate of bills that will help lower Virginians’ electricity bills, strengthen grid reliability, and boost the local economy by increasing solar and storage deployment in the Commonwealth – including bills to cut red tape for residential and large-scale projects, expand shared solar programs, and maximize the benefits of distributed generation
Virginia Major Solar and Storage Projects
SEIA’s Major Solar Projects List is a database of all U.S. ground-mounted solar projects, 1 MW and above, that are either operating, under construction or under development.
Official SEIA State Affiliate
Just The Facts
- Solar Capacity:
7,569 MWdc
- Storage Capacity
162 MWh
- National Solar Ranking:
9th (16th in 2025 additions)
- Enough Solar Installed to Power:
859,526 homes
- Percentage of State's Electricity from Solar:
9.49%
- Solar Jobs:
5,010
- Solar and Storage Companies in State:
216 (33 Manufacturers, 81 Installers/Developers, 102 Others)
- Total Solar Investment in State:
$10.5 billion
- Growth Projection and Ranking:
7,680 MW over the next 5 years (ranks 9th)
- Number of Solar Installations:
65,817
Virginia State Solar Policy Resources
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DSIRE Incentives Database – Virginia – Search a public clearinghouse for specific solar energy incentives in Virginia and across the United States
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Solar Panel Cost in Virginia – Learn about the history of solar policy in Virginia, along with up-to-date pricing information on EnergySage
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Solar Rebates & Incentives in Virginia – Check out EnergySage’s list of key solar incentives in Virginia to see what programs you can benefit from
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U.S. Energy Information Administration – Virginia State Profile – Explore official energy statistics, including data on electricity supply and demand, from the U.S. government
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Virginia General Assembly – Track pending legislation affecting solar energy, locate and contact individual legislators, and stay up to date on current legislative issues in Virginia
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Virginia Solar Panels Overview – Learn about the history of solar policy in Virginia, along with up-to-date pricing information on EnergySage
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Virginia Utility Regulation – Learn about the governing body that regulates the electricity rates and services of Virginia public utilities
Virginia State Consumer Protection
Consumer protection remains a top priority for SEIA across the country. Following a 2024 legislative veto, advocacy efforts paid off in 2026 with the passage of HB1439/SB823, requiring solar companies to provide standardized disclosures to protect residential customers from predatory practices. The 2026 session also delivered wins on plug-in solar access and SB253, which shifts grid upgrade costs from data centers onto those facilities rather than residential ratepayers.
Virginia Energy Storage Policy and Market Overview
Virginia’s energy storage market is growing alongside its strong solar expansion, supported by policy frameworks established under the Virginia Clean Economy Act.
The state maintains ambitious long-term targets, including a goal of deploying 3,100 MW of storage by 2035, with utilities playing a central role in procurement and integration.
Regulators and utilities continue to advance storage through IRP processes, pilot programs, and evolving market structures that support both front-of-the-meter and behind-the-meter deployment. These efforts, combined with broader clean energy goals, position Virginia’s energy storage market for continued expansion.
Virginia Energy Storage Policy Resources
- Virginia Solar Energy Development and Energy Storage Authority –State energy storage and solar-plus-storage initiatives.
- Virginia Energy Grants & Programs – Funding opportunities and programs administered by the Virginia Department of Energy.
- Energy Storage Cost in Virginia – Up-to-date storage and solar-plus-storage pricing and find installers in Virginia on EnergySage.
- DSIRE Virginia Energy Storage Policy Database – Clearinghouse for financial incentives, regulations, and rebates for energy storage and lithium-ion technologies in Virginia and across the United States.
- Virginia State Corporation Commission – Governing body that regulates the electricity rates and services of Virginia public utilities, search for regulatory dockets, programs, and initiatives.
- Virginia General Assembly – Pending, passed, and historical legislation affecting energy storage and battery systems, locate and contact individual legislators, and stay up to date on current legislative issues in Virginia.
Data References
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