As the largest coal producer east of the Mississippi, Virginia has some mixed thoughts on solar. Coal has been mined there for over a hundred years, making the thought of Virginia without that industry a bit scary to some Virginians. But others see the economic possibilities and the environmental necessity of having solar as the next big state industry, especially after seeing the devastation of the Gulf oil spill. These environmentalists, spread out particularly across the rural regions of Virginia, see that coal is both finite and environmentally dangerous, whereas solar is clean and renewable. And they are trying to spread their message. Most Virginians believe that their economy would fall apart without the coal industry. They cannot yet see that putting effort and energy into the solar industry would create just as many, if not more jobs for Virginians. Companies such as groSolar, who has an office in Jessup, MD that serves customers in Virginia, will need to hire more and more local labor as they grow, supporting the Virginia economy.

And the Virginia government, though not doing quite as much to promote solar as other states, is still trying to support the industry and green energy through legislation. None of the legislation is binding, but it does promote a 12% conversion to clean energy sources by 2022, with solar, as well as wind, receiving double credit towards the objective. But there are no state-funded incentives or rebates to help out homeowners who are interested in going solar. However, residential solar electric systems up to 10kW qualify for net metering and the excess is credited on the next monthly bill. And, Virigina residents can potentially also get some help from the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Generation Partners incentive program. This provides an upfront rebate of $1000 as well as additional incentives based on the system size. The program in small: the pilot program only allowed for 200 mW, but it is growing as the need for it grows.

Though the industry is encountering roadblocks as of yet, companies like groSolar are still hopeful and still encouraging the benefits and jobs that would be created by promoting solar. Working with IEC Chesapeake, groSolar held a solar electrician training course in Februrary for interested participants in the Delaware/Maryland/Virginia areas.

As the country and the world moves more and more towards renewable energy sources, and embraces the possibilities and benefits of going green, states such as Virginia will also get on board and prepare for America’s green future.