The Shared Solar Program allows customers of Dominion Energy Virginia and Appalachian Power to purchase electric power through a subscription in a shared solar facility. Subscribers pay a minimum bill to cover the costs of the infrastructure and distribution services, and then receive a credit on their monthly electric bill proportional to the output of the shared solar facility attributable to that subscriber.

Section § 56-594.3 of the Code of Virginia defines a “shared solar facility” as a facility that: “Generates electricity by means of a solar photovoltaic device with a nameplate capacity rating that does not exceed 5,000 kilowatts of alternating current; … has at least three subscribers; has at least 40 percent of its capacity subscribed by customers with subscriptions of 25 kilowatts or less; and is located on a single parcel of land.” If following a Phase II utility program (Dominion Virginia), the shared solar facility must be interconnected with a Phase II Utility’s distribution system within the Commonwealth. If following a Phase I utility program (Appalachian Power), the shared solar facility must be “interconnected with the distribution system of an investor owned electric utility within the Commonwealth” ( § 56-594.4).

Dominion Energy Virginia has participated in the Shared Solar Program since its establishment in 2020. Information on Dominion’s shared solar projects can be found here. See § 56-594.3 for shared solar details with regards to Dominion Virginia (a Phase II utility).

Per HB 108 of the 2024 legislative session, Appalachian Power will join Dominion Virginia in the Shared Solar Program. Appalachian Power must provide tariff and agreement information and other related requirements by July 1, 2025. It is unclear when customers will be able to subscribe. Check Appalachian Power for updates. See § 56-594.4 for shared solar details with regards to Appalachian Power (a Phase I utility)