State Overview
Virginia
National Solar Capacity Ranking: 9th
Data Current Through: Q2 2024
Virginia State Solar Overview
In March 2020, after a coordinated lobbying effort by clean energy advocates, environmental organizations and many other stakeholders, Virginia passed the Clean Economy Act, which will create up to 29,000 solar jobs while providing enormous market opportunities for both distributed generation and utility-scale solar. SEIA remains active in industry discussions about how to implement VCEA and guidance around Virginia’s new zero-carbon generation and energy storage requirements.
This was just one piece of groundbreaking legislation in the state in the last four years, this year the shared solar program was expanded, SEIA passed a third party ownership bill, and NEM and interconnection dockets have opened in the state. VA is one of the most active states in the country in regards to solar development, SEIA is also currently heavily involved in collaborative efforts to reform utility scale solar siting policies as well.
SEIA supports local partners in Virginia, including CHESSA, on legislation to advance distributed generation and providing guidance to the State Corporation Commission and approval of utility-scale renewables.
Official SEIA State Affiliate
Just The Facts
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State
Virginia
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Solar Installed (MW):
5,799
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State Ranking, Cumulative Capacity Installed:
9th
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State Ranking, Capacity Installed in 2023:
7th
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Enough Solar Installed to Power:
673,078 homes
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Percentage of State's Electricity from Solar:
7.10%
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Solar Jobs:
4,938
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Solar Companies in State:
232 (33 Manufacturers, 93 Installers/Developers, 106 Others)
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Total Solar Investment in State:
$6.8 billion
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Prices have fallen:
43% over the last 10 years
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Growth Projection and Ranking:
8398 MW over the next 5 years (ranks 10th)
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Number of Installations:
55,685
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 Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy – Find a wide variety of information on state government energy programs, policy, projects, energy-saving strategies and energy-related statistics
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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 Renewable Energy Alliance
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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
Consumer protection is a top priority for SEIA across the country. In the 2024 session VA had a House and Senate version of consumer protection bills come up, they were conferred together into one bill that passed but ultimately died after a gubernatorial veto. SEIA is working with legislative officials on the best way to continue forward with consumer protections in the state, we are also working to educate them on our ANSI standards that are in the process of being approved.
Spotsylvania
Pleinmont Solar
Pleinmont Solar in Spotsylvania was developed by sPower and came online in 2020-2021. This 393.6 MW project produces enough electricity to power 44,866 homes.
Accomack County
Amazon Solar Farm - Eastern Shore
Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft have all gone solar in Virginia. Amazon's 80 MW Solar Farm in Accomack County is one of the largest corporate solar projects in the state.
Spring Grove
Colonial Trail West
At 210.9 MW, Colonial Trail West in Spring Grove is among the largest solar installations in Virginia. Completed by Urban Grid in 2019, this solar project has enough electric capacity to power more than 24,040 homes.
