Solar Interconnection Grant Program
Solar Interconnection Grant Program supports Virginia public bodies by funding connections for distributed solar projects on previously developed sites to lower energy costs and expand clean energy.
Funder: Virginia Department of Energy
Due Dates: September 18, 2026 (Questions) | October 5, 2026 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: Approximately $2 million available; requests up to 25% of total solar project cost or $600,000, whichever is less; anticipated performance period of 6–18 months
Summary: Funds interconnection work for distributed solar projects benefiting Virginia public bodies on previously developed sites.
Key Information: Grant-funded interconnection costs cannot be incurred before the public body is awarded funding and under contract.
Description
The Virginia Department of Energy administers this program to help public bodies overcome the cost of connecting distributed solar facilities to the electric distribution system. It supports necessary interconnection work on previously developed project sites, including utility-required upgrades, transformers, relays, protection equipment, metering modifications, telemetry, and engineering. Both behind-the-meter and front-of-the-meter projects may qualify.
The program aims to help public bodies reduce energy expenditures and expand clean-energy deployment across Virginia. It also gathers information on interconnection costs, timelines, studies, and upgrade requirements to inform the department’s reports to the General Assembly and potential future interconnection policy.
