Virginia’s new law benefits rooftop solar arrays that have a capacity of no more than 25 kW.
These arrays are exempted from local and state taxes by the bill, which was approved April 11. The bill, SB 686 takes effect January 1.
The exemptions last for five years, and taxes already paid may be refunded.
Will Giese, southeast regional director for the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), said in a statement that the bill “significantly strengthened customer energy choice in Virginia with a business-friendly approach to promoting the local clean economy.”
As of the end of 2021, almost 4% of Virginia’s electric generating capacity was solar, according to SEIA. The total installed capacity was approximately 3.8 GW, with some 25,000 installations.