Community Solar Expands in Virginia as Altus Power Acquires New Projects

It’s a sunny moment in Virginia, as Governor Abigail Spanberger has signed a slate of energy bills that expands the state’s Community Solar programs. And Altus Power, a leading commercial-scale power company, will soon power even more Virginia communities. Altus is joining New Leaf Energy in acquiring the first and largest Community Solar initiative in the Appalachian Power (APCo) utility. The 31-megawatt (MW) portfolio of five new Community Solar projects will be part of APCo’s forthcoming shared solar program and is expected to deliver the benefits of clean power to approximately 5,000 homes.

One of the newly-enacted bills is SB 255/HB 809, which bolsters the 50 MW APCo shared solar program launched in 2025 by establishing consolidated billing, implementing best practices from elsewhere in the state, and enabling future capacity releases to meet the demand in Southwest Virginia, as the Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA) explains. That increase includes the release of 50 MW of capacity by July 1, 2026, and an additional 50 MW by January 1, 2028.

The new legislation also includes SB 254/HB 807, which mandates the release of 525 MW of new shared solar capacity by July 1, 2026, in Dominion Energy territory.

“Governor Spanberger has shown that affordability and local clean energy go hand in hand — and today’s signings are proof,” Charlie Coggeshall, Mid-Atlantic Director at CCSA, said in a statement. “By expanding shared solar into both Dominion and Appalachian Power territories, Virginia is building an energy system that works for every ratepayer, not just those who can afford rooftop panels.”

Research by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Wood Mackenzie shows Virginia ranks 9th among U.S. states in installed solar capacity with 7.6 gigawatts (GW), enough to power over 850,000 homes, as SEIA reports. The state is expected to increase that installed capacity by more than double over the next five years.

And a third-party analysis cited by CCSA concluded that the addition of 2 GW of shared solar capacity in Virginia would result in $64 million in net benefits in the first two years and more than $2.4 billion in net benefits over 25 years, with all utility customers accruing savings, even if they don’t subscribe to shared solar.

“It is no secret that Virginia needs more home-grown energy supply to meet skyrocketing demand and protect ratepayers,” said Darren Van’t Hof, the SEIA’s interim president and CEO. “Virginia’s leaders are addressing these challenges with a well-rounded strategy that will cut bureaucratic red tape, take advantage of existing energy resources to strengthen grid reliability at minimal cost to ratepayers, and encourage investment in power sources tailor-made for this moment.”

Van’t Hof added, “The solar and storage industry applauds the Governor and the bipartisan group of legislators for delivering policies that are a win-win for Virginia’s ratepayers, grid reliability, and economy. Solar and storage companies are excited to continue delivering the affordable, reliable power that Virginians deserve.”

Having delivered dependable and cost-effective solar electricity across 30 states and the District of Columbia, Altus Power is proud to expand its Community Solar program in Virginia. With more than 1.3 GW of solar generation assets, Altus owns and operates a robust network that serves Fortune 1000 companies, municipalities, schools, and households. And as a Community Solar pioneer, Altus currently serves more than 40,000 subscribers in the United States, providing homeowners and renters of all income brackets with the benefits of clean energy savings without requiring them to install or maintain their own solar panels.

In joining New Leaf Energy in the acquisition of new ground-mounted solar projects in Virginia, Altus Power will deliver direct savings to eligible households and enterprises through Utility Customer Bill (UCB) bill credits.

“Virginia has made a clear commitment to protecting ratepayers from rising electricity costs through the expansion of clean, incremental power, and this program is a key part of that vision,” Altus Power Chief Investment Officer Abhi Parmar said in a statement. “We're excited to be partnering with New Leaf Energy to help bring it to life, combining our strengths to successfully navigate a new market and deliver real savings to households and businesses across the state.”

The portfolio acquisition also marks Altus Power’s first collaboration with New Leaf Energy, which shares Altus’ commitment to expanding access to Community Solar and supporting both local communities and the nationwide clean energy transition.

“This partnership demonstrates how quickly community solar can scale when strong development and execution come together,” said Kate Vann, Senior Director and Head of Mergers & Acquisitions, New Leaf Energy. “Our team is proud to have partnered with Altus Power on the development of these projects and expand clean, affordable energy for communities across the Commonwealth.”

Added Skylar Werde, Altus Power’s Head of Community Solar: “We’re proud to help establish and shape a new shared solar program that puts affordability front and center for customers. This is about unlocking new pathways: working alongside partners to open new markets, expand access to community solar and ensure more households and businesses can benefit from locally generated, lower cost clean energy. It’s a clear reflection of our commitment to scaling this model nationwide.”

Learn more about our Community Solar program here.