Virginia's Energy Plan should expand and enhance support for rooftop solar energy. Rooftop solar energy is not only clean energy and doesn't take up land that has other uses, but, importantly, its expansion creates well-paying jobs in Virginia.
Netmetering is currently essential for the rooftop solar and support for this should be continued and the program enhanced by allowing some purchase of power by utilities. Residents and companies that have already made long-term commitments to rooftop solar energy depend on netmetering. Support for netmetering should be continued and other barriers that slow down the adoption of solar energy should be removed.
I respectfully urge you to expand rooftop solar in Virginia to create well-paying jobs, build clean local energy in our communities and give consumers energy independence, choice and freedom.
Thank you,
Geoffrey Hayden