I would like the Virginia Energy Plan to include funding support for the adoption of rooftop solar as a regular measure within the framework of applications employed by the Virginia Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). The Virginia WAP is part of a nationwide federal program that provides weatherization services to eligible low-income households in every town, city, and county in America. The WAP uses proven best practices such as blower door directed air-sealing, heating system safety inspections, heating and cooling system repair and replacement, duct system diagnostics, repair and replacement, advanced insulation techniques, indoor air quality measures, and much more to make homes more energy efficient, safer, and healthier. The Weatherization Assistance program in Virginia and throughout the US has shown on average a 30% reduction in energy use per weatherized home as well as a 2-3 metric ton of carbon reduction per home.

The Virginia WAP has previous experience with installing rooftop solar on weatherized homes and multi-family dwellings due to a Sustainable Energy Resources for Consumers (SERC) grant that became available through the American Recovery and Re-Investment Act (ARRA) in 2009. Three WAP providers in Virginia participated in pilot projects related to SERC and successfully installed rooftop solar on several weatherized homes and multi-family projects.

 These homes and buildings enjoyed tremendous energy savings and showcased the effectiveness of utilizing clean and renewable energy with energy efficient techniques and practices. Solar power has historically been out of reach for low-income home owners and often only a choice for the wealthy and those concerned with the environment. Even as solar installation costs have dramatically decreased it is still extremely difficult for those with less financial resources to afford solar power. But if programs like the Virginia WAP can increase access to solar for low-income then not only do they get to enjoy additional energy savings but it helps expand the solar market, which will create additional jobs, support the economy and decrease the eventual cost of solar for everyone. Our experience with previous pilot programs illustrates the potential of combining solar and weatherization and that this process can produce a very low energy usage residence and/or a multi-family building.

The Virginia Energy Plan and recent legislation in Virginia that provides funding for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and low-income energy programs creates a perfect platform for the Commonwealth to become a leader in using rooftop solar and an established and proven network of weatherization professionals to further assist those with the highest energy burden.