Increasing the deployment of renewable energy is essential for reducing emissions and promoting energy independence. Establishing regional and locality-specific goals for solar megawatt (MW) production provides clear targets for renewable energy adoption, encompassing both distributed and utility-scale solar projects. Streamlining the approval process for solar installations through automatic permitting processes makes it easier and faster for residents and businesses to adopt solar energy. Reducing the soft costs of solar development (such as streamlining permitting procedures or minimizing red tape) lowers financial barriers. Ensuring low-to-moderate income (LMI) residents can participate in community solar programs through tailored program design and financing support makes solar energy accessible to all. Collaborating with regulators and the power sector to encourage distributed renewable energy, storage, and peak management programs supports grid integration, enhancing reliability and sustainability.

KEY ACTIONS

1. Adopt automatic permitting processes, such as SolarApp+
2. Establish regional and local goals for solar production, at both the distributed and utility scales.
3. Pursue SolSmart designation at the local and regional levels to reduce the soft costs of solar development.
4. ·Define and implement a pathway for low-to-moderate income (LMI) residents to participate in a community solar program through program design and/or financing support options.
5. Identify parcels for potential shared solar projects and publish RFIs from solar developers to explore possible rate savings for residents. When shared solar projects are pursued, as much capacity as possible should be allocated to low-income customers.
6. Collaborate with utilities to expand existing programs and/or develop pilot programs to adopt solar ready homes and distributed renewable energy, storage, and peak management.

Outcomes

KEY ACTIONS

1. Advocate for the Pollinator Smart standards for solar projects to be adopted as requirements at the state level. Incorporate adherence to Pollinator Smart practices into local solar ordinances.
2. Prioritize solar development on brownfields, such as closed landfills.
3. Advocate for state-level policies that support clean energy development and adoption while preserving local autonomy. Advocate for expanded local authority over solar requirements.
4. Study geothermal potential in the region.
5. Improve and accelerate the interconnection process for distributed energy resources
6. Advocate for the continued support of the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA) and to close loopholes in the legislation that allow utilities to avoid meeting portfolio standards.
7. Encourage local governments to enter into clean energy agreements with utilities.
8. Explore Power Purchasing Agreements (PPAs) for municipal energy needs

Outcomes