Virginia Enacts Law Establishing Solar Rebates for Low Income Households

Democratic Governor Ralph Northam signed legislation on March 18 creating a pilot program to disburse loans or rebates for solar installations in households whose income is at or below 80 percent of the state or regional median income. (HB 2741)

Residents applying for the program are required to document the installation of energy efficiency services showing that they lower home energy consumption by at least 12 percent before submitting an application. The bill expires on July 1, 2022.

Virginia has been making strides in embracing clean energy in recent years. The state’s 10-year energy plan unveiled last year recommends the development of 3 gigawatts of solar and onshore wind by 2022. The Grid Transformation and Security Act of 2018 declares that 5 gigawatts of solar and wind energy are in the public interest.