Blog

Virginia State Legislature is making huge strides to shift towards clean energy thanks to the Clean Economy Act. The Act fundamentally requires that, by 2050, all energy powering the state be from clean sources. In regard to solar power specifically, the Act has set a target to generate more than 2,000 megawatts of new power by 2030. While solar energy remains a fairly new concept, significant measures, in the form of rebates and incentives, have been taken to encourage its adoption at residential, commercial, and industrial levels in the State of Virginia. Organizations such as Lumina Solar are at the forefront of advocating solar energy. Let’s find out more about these rebates and incentives.

Topics: Solar Panels, Lumina Solar, Saving Money, Home Solar

It's no secret that Virginia is becoming more and more popular. From the pleasant livability of Richmond, to the beautiful beaches of Virginia Beach, to the laid - back history of Colonial Williamsburg, there's something for everyone in this state.

Energy costs are rising, and solar has become a great option for many people. The state of solar power in Virginia is interesting to say the least.

Current policies extend solar panel incentives and allow for self - con sumption rates to be competitive with utility company rates, but more changes are expected in the coming years. Before you make any decisions with solar though, it's important to know your rights to own solar in Virginia.

 

Landmark Solar Legislations in Virginia

The Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA)

The Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA) was created to create a statewide clean energy policy designed to establish a voluntary program for the Commonwealth of Virginia to transition to clean energy sources. The VCEA is an Act of the Commonwealth of Virginia that establishes a framework for a self - sustaining, market - driven approach to renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy conservation in Virginia. This Act would support a program that would allow Virgin ia residents and businesses to purchase electricity from renewable sources, such as wind and solar. The VCEA was passed as House Bill 1526 and Senate Bill 851 by the Virginia General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Ralph Northam on April 12, 2020.

 

The Solar Freedom Act

 

The Solar Freedom Act is a piece of Virginia legislation (HB.572), which seeks to prevent Homeowner Associations (HOAs) from stopping individuals from going solar with their unreasonable restriction. Among other provisions, it als o allows a shared solar program that would benefit multifamily residential customers by allowing them to purchase electricity through a shared solar facility.

     

Topics: Solar Panels, Lumina Solar, Saving Money, Home Solar

As you make the decision to switch to solar energy, you are bound to come across misconceptions and misleading information. Here, we debunk four common myths about solar energy systems.

Topics: Solar Panels, Lumina Solar, Saving Money, Solar Power, Home Solar

Going green with solar is no doubt one of the smartest decisions any household can make in regard to harnessing sustainable energy. However, getting the most out of your home solar setup is not as simple as attaching several square footages of solar panels on your roof. Fortunately, at Lumina Solar, we understand all that quite well. So, let’s discuss the top three things anyone considering home solar installation should first know.

Roof Shape and Material for Solar Panels

The shape of your roof impacts the amount of direct sunlight your panels stand to receive. This means that it also affects the amount of energy that can be harnessed. You must have probably figured out by now that a standard gable roof is perhaps one of the most suitable for solar installation. However, adjustments can still be made to your existing roof to get the most out of your solar panels. Composition shingle and concrete tiles roof are also great for installation. A clay-tiled roof, on the other hand, is not very ideal due to the high risk of breakage. Before installation, our technicians at Lumina Solar conduct a site visit to assess a multitude of factors on the roof, such as pitch degree, shading, and shape.

Direction of Your Roof

Solar panels need to be angled directly toward the sun in order to soak up as much sunlight – ergo energy – as possible. If you live in an area that already receives plenty of sunlight, that’s a great first step. Depending on your geographical location, the roof that faces direct sunlight for the better part of the day will be the ideal choice of solar panel installation.

Condition of Your Roof

Solar panels have a substantial weight. Additionally, installation may require drilling supports into your roof. Therefore, a structurally sound roof is preferred to perform the installation. Our technicians at Lumina Solar will assess and recommend repairs, if necessary, before installing your home solar setup.

Topics: Solar Panels, Lumina Solar, Home Solar

It’s no secret that solar panels are a great investment when it comes to being environmentally conscious and energy efficient. If you're hoping to buy photovoltaic panels in the future, it's important to know how long you'll be able to use them.
But how do you ensure that your panels will last a long time?

Topics: Solar Panels, Lumina Solar, Solar Power, Home Solar

In the United States and many other developed countries, solar power is considered one of the more affordable forms of energy and sources of electricity. According to a 2020 report published by Ember – a climate-focused organization, renewable sources of energy such as Solar are increasing their footprint across the globe. Carbon-free sources of power are nearly surpassing coal power generation. As a matter of fact, coal power generation dropped by almost nine percent in the first half of 2020, and a third of that drop is directly attributed to carbon-free power sources.

Topics: Solar Panels, Lumina Solar, Saving Money, Solar Power, Home Solar

If you're thinking about taking a plunge into solar energy, it's never been a better time. Prices of solar panels have dropped by more than half in the past decade and installation times are down nearly 90 percent.

And with the latest advances in solar technology, homeowners now have access to an income-generating asset that will pay for itself in short order.

Shortly, you’ll discover how all these adds up to the benefit of the average homeowner.

But first, here is...

Topics: Solar Panels, Lumina Solar, Saving Money, Solar Power, Home Solar

We know what you're asking yourself right now...

Topics: Solar Panels, Lumina Solar, Saving Money, Tesla Powerwall, Solar Power, Home Solar

While Election news and the COVID-19 Pandemic have wreaked havoc on the US economy, 2021 is beginning with a surge on renewable energy. The promise of a Green New Deal, the hope of rejoining the Paris Agreement, and an overall worldwide commitment to carbon neutrality are giving all renewable energies a jumps-start to a new year.

Topics: Solar Panels, Lumina Solar, Saving Money, Tesla Powerwall, Solar Power, Home Solar

As this year comes to a close we can truly look back at 2020 as a year of turmoil and perseverance.

Topics: Solar Panels, Lumina Solar, Saving Money, Solar Power, Home Solar