SOLAR ENERGY
Our Commitment
Investing in distributed solar energy projects to prioritize reliable, on-site renewable energy as Virginia transitions to a carbon-free electric grid.
THE ISSUE
Distributed solar energy is a key component in reaching Virginia’s 100% zero-carbon-emissions standard laid out in Virginia’s Clean Economy Act (VCEA). Distributed solar energy decreases land distrubance because projects are built on a pre-existing infrastructure. It also decentralizes energy which creates a more resilient electricitygrid. With the right policy in place, solar energy will reduce rising peak demand, decrease carbon-emitting sources on the grid, and increase ratepayer savings. Getting more solar on homes, businesses, and schools can reduce costs, enhance public health, and combat climate change.
Clean Energy & Climate Recap: 2026 Bill Outcomes
Virginia Conservation Network advocated for 99 bills this General Assembly session that increase access to affordable, clean energy, support energy efficiency, regulate the data center industry's energy demand, and more.
Bill of the Day: Affordable Clean Energy Package
The Affordable Clean Energy Package can increase affordable, clean energy by increasing storage and solar targets, removing regulatory hurdles, and improving consumer protections.
Agrivoltaics: Virginia’s First Crop-Based Solar Project
Piedmont Environment Council has built Virginia's first crop-based solar: combining food production with on-site clean energy generation.
Catch Up On Our Path to 100% Clean Energy Education Series
Virginia Conservation Network hosted an educational series tailored for decision-makers and advocates to learn about Virginia's transition to clean energy.
New Laws: Sharing and Distributing Clean Energy Through Virtual Power Plants
On July 1st, all bills that passed the 2025 General Assembly session became laws in Virginia. One bill allows for local clean energy to be shared and distributed within a community through a virtual power plant.
Clean Energy & Climate Recap: 2025 Bill Outcomes
Virginia Conservation Network advocated for 65 bills this General Assembly session that support the Virginia Clean Economy Act, enables more local solar energy, regulates the data center industry's energy demand, and more.
RESOURCES
Report: Value of Distributed Solar in Virginia
Piedmont Environmental Council released a commissioned report by Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors on the actual value of distributed solar in Virginia, including quantitative and qualitative benefits.
Video: Meeting Demand With Clean Energy
Virginia Conservation Network hosted a webinar exploring a recent modeling exercise on different possible projections in which clean energy reliably and affordably meets worst-case demand scenarios in the Commonwealth—without new fossil fuel infrastructure.
Report: Assessing Benefits of Distributed Solar in Virginia
VCU's Institute for Sustainable Energy and Environment (ISEE) and Wilder School Center for Public Policy released a report updating a 2020 study on the economic benefits of installing 2,500 MW of distributed solar capacity in Virginia, and whether the state is on track to meet this goal.
Report: Empowering Tomorrow
Clean Energy States Alliance recently released a report outlining how Solar for All state programs, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, will benefit low-income and disadvantaged communities.
US Solar Development Agreement: Integrating Climate, Conservation, & Community
Large solar developers, leading land conservation and environmental organizations, tribal nation representatives, agricultural interests, community groups, and investors have aligned in a collaboration agreement, emphasizing solar development strategies that prioritize climate, conservation, and community.
Webinar Series: Clean Energy Funding for Rural Virginia
The Virginia Solar Initiative and the Virginia Department of Energy hosted a two-part webinar series informing Virginia's rural communities of federal clean energy funding opportunities.
