Mostly clear. Low 58F. Winds light and variable..
Mostly clear. Low 58F. Winds light and variable.
Updated: April 17, 2026 @ 9:19 pm
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) — As energy costs continue to rise, a new community solar program is expected to launch this summer in the area, giving residents a way to lower their electricity bills without installing panels on their homes.
The shared solar program allows participants to subscribe to a portion of a larger solar farm rather than placing solar panels on their own property. Organizers say the model expands access to renewable energy while helping customers save money.
“We know that energy rates feel like they’re going up,” said Mark Kronenthal, president of Shared Solar for Community Solar Circle. “This helps people in their wallet, and it also helps grow the green economy and diversify sources of electricity.”
Through the initiative, subscribers receive credits on their utility bills for the energy generated by their share of the solar farm. The credits are applied through their existing electricity provider.
The program is available to qualifying residents, which are those with Dominion Energy and who meet certain income requirements.
“It allows participants to sign up for a share of a solar farm,” Kronenthal said. “Dominion credits their bill for the power supplied to the grid from that solar project.”
The effort is part of a broader push to expand renewable energy in Virginia amid increasing demand. Gov. Abigail Spanberger and state lawmakers recently passed legislation — HB807 and SB254 — aimed at growing the shared solar program.
Officials say if participation reaches a certain capacity, the program could nearly double the amount of solar energy allowed, measured in megawatts, helping to further expand solar infrastructure across the state.
Residents in Charlottesville and Albemarle County can sign up for the program now ahead of its expected launch this summer. Once active, participants could begin seeing credits applied to their energy bills. For more information go here.
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