Alliance staff have been working to tool up localities and farmers to navigate siting and design considerations for utility scale solar projects in the Valley counties.
At the same time, we are pushing for programs and incentives for rooftop and ground-mounted solar. That’s why we are promoting Solarize Virginia, a program that reduces the cost and complexity of going solar.
This grassroots, community-based outreach initiative is managed by Virginia nonprofit Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP). Through a competitive bidding process, LEAP has named Tiger Solar as their selected campaign installer in the Shenandoah Valley for 2023.
2023 is a great year for homeowners to make the switch because Congress increased the federal investment tax credit (ITC), sometimes referred to as the solar tax credit, from 26% to 30% as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. The ITC allows homeowners to deduct a percentage of a solar energy system’s installation cost from their federal taxes with no cap on the value.
Since 2014, 1,015 Virginia households have made the switch to solar through LEAP’s Solarize program, generating more than 9.2 MW of solar capacity.
How to participate in Solarize Virginia
Through August 31, homeowners can sign up to receive a free solar satellite assessment and discounted prices from vetted installers. LEAP also provides ongoing customer support and education throughout the process to make it as streamlined as possible. Signing up is free and requires no commitment until you sign a contract with an installer.
More information is available at SolarizeVA.org.
Folks who are interested in learning more can register for an upcoming webinar on Tuesday, August 1 (6 -7 pm) or Thursday, August 17 (3 – 4 pm).
2023 Solarize Virginia Information
2022 Solarize Shenandoah Information
Last year, the Alliance co-hosted with LEAP on an informational webinar on the Solarize Shenandoah Program, click below to watch!