2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26104373D

HOUSE BILL NO. 683

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled January 13, 2026

A BILL 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.

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Patrons—Herring and Bennett-Parker

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Referred to Committee on Appropriations

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

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. 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 solar facilities to the grid. In the allocation of funds, priority shall be given to solar facilities located on previously developed project sites. The Division shall administer the Program and shall establish and publish guidelines and criteria for the awarding of grants and general requirements of the Program.

C. The Division shall submit an annual report to the General Assembly regarding administration of the Program for the preceding fiscal year. The report shall be furnished to the Chairs of the House Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations no later than November 1 of each year.

2. That the provisions of this act shall expire on July 1, 2027.