Welcome to the Town of Altavista’s solar resource webpage. As a key part of its environmental, sustainability and climate commitments, Altavista is always seeking ways to encourage installation of solar in our community. This webpage represents a collection of solar resources and other information that will make it easy for you to explore your solar options. It is our hope that residents, both new and old, will explore the exciting world of solar and consider it for their own home or business! Below is a brief overview of Altavista’s solar metrics!

Number of Photovoltaic Panels

Total Kilowatts

Getting Started

If you are thinking about going solar, here are two fantastic resources that give you information about the basics of solar energy, your solar options, and questions to ask solar a professional: 

• Residential Consumer Guide to Solar Power by the Solar Energy Industries Association, and 
• Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar published by the U.S. Department of Energy 

Important Links to Get Started

Before installing solar at your home or business, please make sure to review the following links. 

• Altavista’s Zoning Ordinance 
• Altavista Zoning Permit Application 
• Campbell County Building Permit Application 

Policies and Processes 

Going solar in Altavista is pretty straightforward, but to make it even easier, we have created a detailed checklist to walk you through the steps for getting your solar project permitted, approved, installed, and inspected. Note: If you are working with a local solar installer, they will likely handle some of these steps for you. 

Solar Benefits 

Solar energy uses a renewable energy source – the sun – and provides many benefits for individuals and the community. It improves environmental quality by reducing carbon emissions and air pollution, and in Virginia, the solar energy industry supports nearly 4,000 jobs and over 250 companies. Solar saves money on energy costs as the price continues to drop from increasing demand and technological developments and improves electric grid resilience during peak demand and other stresses to the system. Check out more great information about the economy and employment impacts of solar in Virginia. 

Finding a Contractor and Going Solar 

Find a solar contractor (or two) to assess your home for solar energy and provide a bid. Certified practitioners can be found through NABCEP. 

• Choosing a Solar Installer – an informative short video from the GW Solar Institute explaining the questions to ask and research to conduct prior to going solar. 
• Consumer Solar Checklist - a checklist for residential consumers considering solar energy from IREC, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council 
• Clean Energy Consumer Bill of Rights – ensuring a positive consumer experience by addressing important issues from IREC, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council 
• Solar Customer Resource Portal – provides tools that consumers can use to make an informed decision about whether and how to go solar. 
• Solar Contractor Search – use this interactive search page to find solar installers within a specified range of Altavista. 

Financing, Incentives, and Tax Exemptions 

Typically, solar installations are made more affordable through Federal and State tax incentives and rebates. Important note: the 30% Federal Tax Credit for residential solar will be phased out starting in 2020. 

• A Homeowner’s Guide to Solar Financing – learn about different financing options from CESA, the Clean Energy States Alliance. 
• Rooftop Solar Financing 101 – an informative short video from the GW Solar Institute explaining different solar financing options. 

Job Training and Educational Opportunities 

If you are interested in pursuing employment in the solar energy field, here are some links to regional and national educational courses, programs, and/or trainings offered from colleges, universities, technical institutions, and non-profits. 

• New River Community College Alternative Energy Career Studies Certificate 
• Central Virginia Community College Energy Technology Career Studies Certificate 
• Licensing Requirements for Solar Installers in Virginia 
• The Solar Foundation’s Solar Training Network (Career Connections, Education & Workforce Partnerships)

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