Comment By:  Chris Bolgiano

Distributed Solar with Batteries in Community Centers should be the Major Energy Policy for Virginia.  Beginning in 2008, in 4 phases, in my very rural location I now have 23 photovoltaic rooftop panels that make more electricity than I use, with plans to purchase an electric vehicle that will use up much of the excess.  The last set of panels cost 1/3 of the first set.  I also have conventional lead acid batteries that kept my household in power (including water pump) during several grid outages.  This experience, plus considerable research, convince me that distributed solar is the single best energy option for the future.  Solar photovoltaics, with batteries in schools and other community centers, would offer communities the ability to be energy independence in the face of both manmade and natural disasters.  To achieve this, Virginia should: 1) protect net-metering; 2) allow third party ownership (Power Purchase Agreements) as incentives, especially to make solar affordable to low income households; 3) repeal the limits on production and stand-by charges demanded by Dominion; and 4) set up grants and consultants to aid non-profits like electric coops to incorporate distributed solar in their operations.  I also support commercial applications such as panels on structures over parking lots where consumers can charge their cars while shopping (and keep cars cooler at the same time).  Offshore wind is the most environmentally and economically sustainable use of industrial wind turbines, which would be disastrous on Virginia’s mountains where they make little power during the hottest, and most electricity demanding, summer months, and kill migratory birds and bats twice every year.   Thank you for your consideration.