The Virginia Department of Energy (Virginia Energy) will receive over $156 million in federal funding under the federal Solar for All grant. Around 50% of Virginia households are eligible to benefit from the program.
“Adding more residential solar is essential to our all of the above approach for clean and affordable energy in Virginia,” said Virginia Energy director Glenn Davis. “Virginia also recognizes the significant economic development and job growth opportunities across the Commonwealth that will accompany this growth in residential solar and welcomes new investment by the solar industry.”
The funding will be available to Virginia for the next five years. Residential rooftop solar and shared solar developments qualify for the grant dollars. Developers may also submit larger projects, such as solar for community housing. The funding is focused mostly on low-income residents or people that live in communities that are designated as underserved. Projects must be designed to result in a minimum of 20% savings on their energy bills.
“This funding is expected to bring a lifetime economic impact to Virginia communities that need it most,” said Virginia Energy state energy office director Vince Maiden. “Our solar industry will see growth and create over 1,000 jobs as a result of Solar for All.”
Virginia Energy will administer the program. Solar for All is funded through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The first year of the program will be set aside for planning the distribution of funds and those details will be available as they are developed. Funding will become available in 2025 for those interested in residential rooftop or shared solar programs.
