A substitute directing the SCC to set a distribution cost-sharing program for interconnection upgrades passed after the committee raised project-size thresholds (50 kW→250 kW, upper 2 MW→3 MW) and added reporting requirements.

A new era of energy production is coming to Southwest Virginia next month. The Nature...

After extended debate, the Virginia Senate passed House Bill 3 95, a measure to permit small portable solar units for residences and some rental units while setting wattage and safety limits; senators raised concerns about wiring, insurance and landlord-tenant implications.

SB758 was amended to apply prevailing-wage and apprenticeship requirements only to construction work on solar facilities of 5 megawatts or more; labor unions and industry groups expressed support and the measure was reported to appropriations 5-2.

The committee adopted a substitute aligning small/portable ("balcony") solar language with the senate version but several members raised firefighter-safety and permitting concerns, prompting a request for reenactment or safety amendments and the bill was placed "by for the day."

HB 1439 substitute would create a consumer-disclosure form and minimum contract elements for residential solar sales, aiming to curb predatory contracts and improve transparency. The subcommittee reported the substitute unanimously after industry and consumer groups supported the measure.

A House subcommittee reported a substitute for HB 711 to set statewide standards for solar projects while preserving local authority; supporters said it will speed sensible projects, while counties and environmental groups warned against a one-size-fits-all approach. The measure was reported by the committee.

SB443 would treat battery energy storage systems as an ancillary use to existing commercial solar farms so storage can be added without separate land-use approval; supporters said the change would improve grid reliability, while questions focused on fire-safety and permitting standards.

The contrast between high hopes of developers supporting bills like HB 711 and the actual realities of the bill’s language highlights an important fact: you want to win at the county level, because…

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