With major state policy wins in the rearview mirror, the local solar industry is taking on a new set of challenges. The Maryland-DC-Virginia Solar Energy Industries Association (MDV-SEIA) annual member conference, Solar Focus, highlighted the importance of close engagement with rural jurisdictions, communities of color, and integrating emerging technologies like battery storage.

In May, MDV-SEIA formed an Equity and Inclusion Committee as part of the Association’s on-going commitment to building a more diverse and inclusive solar industry. The Equity and Inclusion statement is now viewable on our website.

As a result of House Bill 414 from the 2020 Virginia legislative session, homeowners may now provide documentation by an independent solar panel design specialist certified by NABCEP to show that a restriction deemed by the HOA is not reasonable.

On August 19th, 2020, business leaders, public officials, and local advocates will team up for a webinar focused on one goal: develop a stronger relationship between the solar industry and men and women of color.

As the State Corporation Commission (SCC) implements Virginia’s landmark clean energy legislation, the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA), it solicits input on how best to deploy storage resources, like batteries and other storage resources. The Virginia solar trade association, MDV-SEIA, submitted comments (see here) detailing how storage is vital to integrating renewable resources, improving grid resiliency, and ultimately saving ratepayers in infrastructure investments.

The global pandemic and the ensuing economic crisis have highlighted many vulnerabilities and areas in need of reform across our economy and society. With this has come an opportunity to re-evaluate and build the future that we desperately need and one that we all deserve.

Two studies reveal solar energy may provide a key to restoring Virginia’s economy in the wake of the pandemic. In fact, the latest report indicates that up 29,000 jobs would be created from planned solar projects in Virginia from small scale rooftop solar alone.