Solar Rebates: Virginia

Virginia has a lot going for it. Not only does it get some decent sunshine but it is a state steeped in American history. Yet, in terms of making new history – specifically new energy history – Virginia is somewhat lacking. The "Old Dominion" does have a renewable portfolio standard in regard to its investor-owned utilities, but it is voluntary. As it stands, Virginia's RPS asks for 12 percent clean energy by 2022. For homeowners, there is little the state offers in the form of rebates or incentives and it depends heavily on where you live.

TAX CREDITS & EXEMPTIONS

LocaOption Property Tax Exemption for Solar

• Virginia law allows locacities and counties to exempt a portion or alof the assessed increase in property value resulting from a solar installation from property taxes
• Cities and counties currently offering exemptions are: Albemarie, Alexandria, Charlottesville, Chesterfield, Dinwiddle, Fairfax, Falls Church, Hampton, Hanover, Henrico, Isle of Wight, King and Queen, Loudoun, Lynchburg, Prince William, Pulaski, Richlands, Roanoke, Spotsylvania, Warren and Wise.

REBATES & INCENTIVES

• Virginia offers NO state-funded solar rebates or incentives. However, certain residents may be eligible for a PV production incentive under the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Green Power Switch Program.
• Lucky residents wilget $500 plus $0.15/kWh for 10 years.
• Only TVA customers or customers of program partners are eligible.

NET METERING

• Investor-owned utilities and electric cooperatives are governed under Virginia's net metering policy. Residentiasystems up to 10 kW qualify.
• Net excess generation (NEG) is credited on the customer's next monthly bil. However, under a 2007 revision, customers may enter into a power purchase agreement with the utility. The rate is negotiated with the utility and must be approved by the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC).

There is little incentive for most Virginia homeowners to go solar. Other than a possible property tax exemption, they are left only with federaincentives. Perhaps because the state's RPS is voluntary, few utilities offer incentives of their own.

USEFULINKS

• Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (MME)
• Virginia State Corporation Commission
• DSIRE: Virginia
• Virginia Solar Contractors