Published Research
In the Fall of 2019, the Maryland-DC-Delaware-Virginia Solar Energy Industries Association (MDV-SEIA) asked the Center for Urban and Regional Analysis (CURA) at Virginia Commonwealth University to evaluate the impacts of the potential purchase, installation, and maintenance of 2,500 MW of new distributed solar photovoltaic (PV) generation capacity in Virginia, addressing the following specific outcomes: • The estimated contributions to the Virginia economy, including direct, indirect, and induced impacts; • The potential impacts on consumer electricity rates; and • The anticipated reductions in greenhouse gases (i.e., carbon dioxide) and other air pollution emissions This report summarizes the findings of the study, organized into three different sections. Section 2 uses an input/output economic model to detail the economic benefits generated by the distributed solar industry in Virginia, both in its current state and with the proposed addition of 2,500 MW of new generation capacity. Section 3 summarizes recent research on the electric grid’s capacity to support distributed solar, the “value” of distributed solar energy to electric utilities, and the impact that increased distributed solar generation could have on retail electricity rates. Finally, Section 4 quantifies the amount of electricity that would be produced by the proposed new distributed solar capacity and the resulting reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) and air pollution emissions.
Mangum Economics LLC, The Economic Contribution of Utility Scale Solar Development to Virginia
This report provides an analysis of the development of utility scale solar energy in Virginia, the factors driving that development, and what it means for host localities within the state. Mangum Economics revealed large scale solar projects in Virginia provide a greater net fiscal benefit to counties than several other land uses. Agricultural and residential development typically bring with them the need for more schools and emergency services capacity to accommodate population growth, for example, that end up costing counties money rather than netting counties money.
Maryland Policy & Regulatory Webinar Slides
The webinar will examine the state's COVID-19 response reopening plan, major legislative themes, and key developments at the PSC.
MDV-SEIA and SEIA Energy Storage Rulemaking
As part of the implementation of the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA), the SCC welcomed comments today as it considers rulemaking on energy storage targets. MDV-SEIA was among the industry organizations submitting comments (See here). “Passing the Virginia Clean Economy Act set our state on a path to an affordable, pollution-free energy future,” said MDV-SEIA’s Executive Director David Murray. “Now, to bring that bright future to reality, we have to get the rules right. We appreciate the opportunity to work with stakeholders and regulators to establish meaningful targets and define parameters that will ensure the intent of the VCEA is fulfilled.” “Energy storage is a critical component of a reliable clean energy grid. Defining storage targets that complement Virginia’s strong clean energy policies will be the foundation for that reliability and allow us to deploy a storage in a way that provides the greatest benefits and savings for the Commonwealth,” said MDV-SEIA’s Virginia Policy and Development Manager Rachel Smucker.
MDV-SEIA Guide for Homeowners Associations on Solar Installations in Virginia
The Maryland, DC, and Virginia Solar Energy Industries Association (MDV-SEIA) has recently received numerous inquiries from Virginia HOAs asking us to assist with the writing of solar installation guidelines for their covenants. We have also had requests for assistance from individual home owners whose HOAs were prohibiting their proposed solar arrays. This document is intended to provide MDV-SEIA’s position on the matter, assist HOAs with compliance with the law, and provide general guidelines for what could be considered reasonable restrictions for solar array installations.
MDV-SEIA NABCEP Certification Form
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. This form is intended as a fillable template that solar installers can populate and that a NABCEP professional can review and sign without having to “reinvent the wheel” every time the situation arises. This will streamline the process and is intended to minimize the burdens on the NABCEP reviewer (and thus decrease cost). The form should also provide a credible, formal vehicle for the documentation to ensure approvability by the HOA.
MDV-SEIA Overview on Maryland RPS and Land Use
A product of good public policy and market growth, Maryland currently supports 165 solar energy companies and employs 5,429 solar workers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national average compensation for solar installers is $18.87 per hour. In 2016, Maryland added 1,160 new solar jobs, a 27% increase from the previous year. Beyond creating jobs and uplifting the local economy, investing in solar demonstrates a community’s commitment to sustainability and presents the opportunity for savings. Solar can also protect communities from rising energy costs and provides an opportunity for homeowners to boost their property values. Businesses can lock in low electricity prices for decades by investing in a solar array.
MDV-SEIA Virginia Clean Economy Act Webinar Slides
The Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA) will bring about many changes in the solar and clean energy industry. MDV-SEIA hosted a webinar to discuss what the VCEA means for businesses and residents in Virginia. Topics covered include: Renewable Portfolio Standard; Deficiency Payments; Distributed Generation Solar; Battery Storage; Ratemaking & SCC Oversight; Low Income Provisions.
Rubin Group Public Session – 10/30/2017
On June 19, the process of soliciting input regarding Virginia solar programs and policies began with a public meeting held at Virginia Commonwealth University. More than 80 members of the public participated in that conversation. They, and others, were invited to participate in subsequent subgroup meetings which took place leading up to a public session to be held October 30, 2017 in the Patrick Henry Building in Richmond. Based on conversations within those groups, the topics for conversation on October, 30 will cover the areas described in this document. It should not be construed that consensus has been reached or that any of these areas are final recommendations of the Rubin Solar Collaborative Workgroup. Each of these topic areas are provided in advance for discussion purposes only.