The Virginia General Assembly officially passed House Bill 1062/Senate Bill 271, which will enable third-party rooftop solar leasing in Virginia and strengthen energy choice for customers. The law will come into effect on July 1, 2024.
More than 50,000 homes in Virginia have solar installed, and the market is expected to grow nearly tenfold over the next decade as customers look to take control of their energy and lower their electric bills. Expanded solar financing options, such as third-party leasing, help reduce upfront costs and make the decision to install solar more feasible for people of all incomes.
“SEIA commends Governor Youngkin and leaders in the General Assembly for supporting a strong, bipartisan solution to give Virginians the freedom to choose the energy that works for them,” said Caitlin Vincent, senior manager of the Solar Energy Industries Association ( SEIA). “As thousands of Virginia families consider their energy choices and install solar over the next decade, the solar and storage industry is taking steps to ensure every installation is safe, reliable and meets customer expectations. SEIA will continue to advocate for policies that open the solar market, put customers first and strengthen Virginia’s energy economy.”
“I am so proud that we were able to earn bipartisan support for this bill and that we were able to bring together all key stakeholders – climate advocates, solar installers and our utilities – to bring the best possible bill to the Governor to send. agency,” said Rep. Rodney T. Willett, co-sponsor of the bill. “This bill will help the Commonwealth look ahead in our clean energy transition, attract more businesses to Virginia and enable more people to use solar energy in a more affordable and accessible way.”
News item from SEIA
