Wind Energy Potential:
Average Power: 1,380 MW
Annual Energy: 12B kWh
Rank in U.S.: 28th

SMALL WIND in
VIRGINIA


This page provides information specific to public policies, incentive programs, wind resources, and organizational resources for installing and operating a small wind turbine in Virginia.

AWEA’s Web site also contains general information that is helpful regardless of which state you live in, including a Communications Toolbox for Wind Energy Advocates.  You will find the information below more useful if you first read the general information available in the small turbine section.

Net Metering
FYI:
For general information about net metering, please read Net Metering - Frequently Asked Questions.

Virginia's current net-metering law covers residential systems up to 10 kW and commercial systems up to 500 kW. As of December 2004, the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) was still developing final rules to implement the state's revised net-metering policy.

Enrollment is open on a first-come, first-served basis until the rated generating capacity owned and operated by customer-generators in the state reaches 0.1% of each electric distribution company's peak load for the previous year.  Monthly net excess generation is carried forward monthly. Excess electricity generated in the twelfth month of the annual period could be credited to the following month. This credit cannot exceed the amount of energy purchased during the previous annual period.  For more information contact the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy or the Commonwealth of Virginia State Corporation Commission.
FYI:
For general information about technical interconnection issues, please read Technical Interconnection - Frequently Asked Questions.

Technical Interconnection Issues 

The Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) has developed simplified interconnection rules for systems that are eligible for net metering. This includes residential customers generating up to 10 kW and commercial systems of up to 25 kW of solar, wind or hydropower.

Customer-generators whose systems meet the major national safety and equipment standards – National Electrical Code (NEC) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) – are not required to install any additional safety equipment. However, a utility’s net-metering tariff may require customers to install a manual external disconnect device in compliance with national safety requirements and certified by a licensed electrician.  For more information contact the Virginia State Corporation Commission, Division of Economics and Finance.

FYI:
For general information about contractual interconnection issues, please read Contractual Interconnection - Frequently Asked Questions
Non-Technical Requirements for Interconnection

Utilities that have already enrolled 0.1% of their peak load for the previous year are not required to allow additional customers to interconnect.

 
FYI:
Background information can be found at the Illinois Dept. of Commerce & Community Affairs Web Site

Local or State Incentive Programs for Wind Energy Investments

Virginia Small Wind Incentives Program (VSWIP)

The Virginia Small Wind Incentives Program (VSWIP), administered by the James Madison University (JMU) Office of the Virginia Wind Energy Collaborative (VWEC), offers grants to Virginia landowners to purchase and install small wind energy systems.
  
Grants will be awarded based on a landowner's (1) quality of wind resources, (2) financial commitment, (3) willingness to work with schools and students, (4) ability to interconnect with the grid and willingness to net meter the system, and (5) willingness to install the system in an easily accessible and visible area. Turbines greater than 20 kW in capacity will be considered on a case-by-case basis. For more information contact James Madison University, Office of the Wind Energy Collaborative.

Utility Incentives & Policies

We are not aware of any wind incentives offered by individual utility companies in Virginia.
FYI:
Be sure to review AWEA's Frequently Asked Questions on Wind Resources.

Wind Resource Information

The US Department of Energy has produced wind resource maps for each state. The map for Virginia can be found here.

The US Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network has also collected wind resource data for Virginia.  

You may also find useful information at the web site for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

Additional Resources

The American Wind Energy Association provides a list of wind turbine manufacturers. For a list of wind turbine installers in your area, please contact the manufacturers.

Source Guides offer a list of renewable energy companies in each state.  To see companies in VA visit their website.

Virginia has a very useful Small Wind Consumer's Guide, you can access it here (PDF 2.2 MB).
Utility Contacts

To find utility contacts visit the Virginia State Commission Corporation, Division of Energy regulation.  A list of utilities can be found here.
Government Contacts

Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME)
Through its six divisions, this department regulates the mineral industry, provides mineral research and offers advice on wise use of resources throughout the Commonwealth. The Department's mission is to enhance the development and conservation of energy and mineral resources in a safe and environmentally sound manner in order to support a more productive economy in Virginia.  For more information visit their website.
Local Organizations Interested in Renewable Energy Issues

The Virginia Wind Energy Collaborative (VWEC)
The Virginia Wind Energy Collaborative (VWEC) was formed in 2002 to promote the responsible development and use of wind energy in Virginia. VWEC provides information relevant to large, utility scale wind development, as well as small residential, commercial and agricultural scale applications of wind energy in Virginia.

VWEC provides a forum for collaboration among stakeholders and organizations interested in promoting the development and use of wind energy in Virginia. VWEC is comprised of non-profit organizations, universities, federal and state government agencies, and for profit organizations. Any individual or group interested in the development and use of wind energy in Virginia is invited to join in and participate. For more information contact VWEC.
Feedback
Keeping an information database such as this one useful and up-to-date requires feedback from people using the site. If you have comments or ideas about how to improve this site, please contact: kathy_belyeu@awea.org  Be sure to mention not only your ideas, comments or criticisms, but also the specific URL (Web address) for the page.
 

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