Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Virginia SB659: An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 19 of Title 45.2 an article numbered 4, consisting of a section numbered 45.2-1918, relating to Solar Interconnection Grant Program established; report; sunset.
Status: Chaptered, April 13, 2026
Solar Interconnection Grant Fund and Program established; report; sunset. Establishes the Solar Interconnection Grant Program for the purpose of awarding grants on a competitive basis to public bodies to offset costs associated with the interconnection of solar facilities to the grid. The Program is administered by the Division of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency of the Department of Energy. The bill requires that priority be given to solar facilities located on previously developed project sites and requires the Division to establish and publish guidelines and criteria for the awarding of grants and general requirements of the Program. The bill has an expiration date of July 1, 2027, and, as introduced, was a recommendation of the Commission on Electric Utility Regulation. This bill is identical to HB 683.
What the bill says
An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 19 of Title 45.2 an article numbered 4, consisting of a section numbered 45.2-1918, relating to Solar Interconnection Grant Program established; report; sunset. [S 659] Approved April 13, 2026 1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Chapter 19 of Title 45.2 an article numbered 4, consisting of a section numbered 45.2-1918, as follows: Article 4. Solar Interconnection Grant Program. § 45.2-1918. Solar Interconnection Grant Program; report. A. As used in this section: "Division" means the Division of Renewable Energy and Ener.
From the enrolled text, April 13, 2026:
An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 19 of Title 45.2 an article numbered 4, consisting of a section numbered 45.2-1918, relating to Solar Interconnection Grant Program established; report; sunset. [S 659] Approved April 13, 2026 1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Chapter 19 of Title 45.2 an article numbered 4, consisting of a section numbered 45.2-1918, as follows: Article 4. Solar Interconnection Grant Program. § 45.2-1918. Solar Interconnection Grant Program; report. A. As used in this section: "Division" means the Division of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency of the Department. "Previously developed project site" means the same as that term is defined in § 56-576. "Program" means the Solar Interconnection Grant Program established in this section. "Public body" means a locality or other political subdivision of the Commonwealth or a school board. "Solar facility" means a facility that generates electricity by means of a solar photovoltaic device, including any additions or enhancements such as battery storage or a smart inverter, and is located on land owned or leased by the public body. B. From such funds as may be appropriated, the Solar Interconnection Grant Program is hereby established for the purpose of awarding grants on a competitive basis to public bodies to offset costs associated with the interconnection of …