With fuel, natural gas and electricity costs on the rise, energy inflation is cutting into the average American’s monthly budget. In many states, this is hastening the transition to solar energy.
This is especially true in the Commonwealth of Virginia. In fact, Virginia recently surged into the top five states in the nation for solar capacity.
Dominion Energy is a major driver of Virginians’ solar power transition. For that matter, it’s initiating the largest solar projects in Virginia. Let’s look closer at what Dominion has planned for the state and its residents.
[Related: Five Best and Worst States for Solar in 2021]
What Is Dominion Energy?
Before diving into Dominion Energy’s solar projects, here’s a little info about the company.
Dominion Energy is based out of Richmond, Virginia. However, it provides electricity to select service areas in North and South Carolina as well.
The company also has a large natural gas arm that supplies gas to states as far west as Utah. Currently, the company services 15 states, and it’s growing every day.
[Related: Virginia Solar Rebates and Incentives]
What Is Dominion Energy’s Plan for Virginia?
Dominion Energy believes in investing in the communities where its employees live and work. Naturally, Virginia is one of its top priorities.
With that in mind, Dominion has major solar projects planned throughout the state over the next 15 years. Its objective is to generate nearly 16,000 megawatts (MW) of solar power by 2025.
Its largest proposal involves 15 separate solar projects throughout the state, including 11 utility-scale and two small-scale projects. Dominion also plans to build a combined solar and storage project, as well as a stand-alone energy storage project.
When these ambitious projects are complete, Dominion believes it can provide Virginia with more than 1,000 MW of solar power. That’s enough output to power more than 250,000 homes.
[Related: No End in Sight for Affordable Clean Power]
What Are the Benefits of These Projects?
The benefits of these large-scale projects are extensive. For starters, they’ll have a profound impact on the state’s economy.
Analysts expect the projects to add approximately 4,200 jobs to the state workforce. In addition, they’ll create nearly $900 billion in economic benefits for Virginians.
Lower utility bills are the crux of some of these economic benefits. With a home solar installation, Virginians can reduce both their monthly and annual energy consumption.
In addition, analysts expect the projects to provide higher wages. The top 10% of solar installation technicians earn more than $72,000.
This field should grow by 52% — much faster than the national average. This means Dominion’s projects will add high-paying jobs to Virginia’s economy. Plus, solar power means lower monthly energy costs and higher profit margins for local businesses.
[Related: How Going Solar Benefits the Environment and Public Health]
The Largest Solar Objective in Virginia: In Sum
Dominion Energy is transforming the energy sector in the state of Virginia.
It’s implementing large-scale projects that provide Virginians with substantial benefits. And it’s helping ensure a future with cleaner energy and lower energy costs.
Dominion Energy’s goals not only benefit Virginia, but also surrounding service areas in other regional states.
[Related: Harrisonburg’s Municipal Utility to Offer Virginia’s First Community Solar Project]
Contact Freedom Solar to Go Solar
To read more articles regarding renewable energy not only in Virginia, but in the rest of US make sure to check our blog posts.
As a solar panel company, at Freedom Solar we’re excited for a future full of green energy. We have decades of experience installing solar systems at homes and businesses, and our hope is to make solar as accessible as possible for those who are interested.
Looking to maintain, repair or upgrade your solar system? Our solar repair and maintenance department can help you obtain maximum energy production and efficiency.
Give us a call at (800) 504-2337 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. We’d love to help you join the solar revolution!
Featured image via Unsplash