Solar

Every hour, more energy from sunlight strikes the earth than the entire human population uses in a whole year. The sun's heat and light provide an abundant source of energy that can be harnessed in many ways. There are a variety of technologies that have been developed to take advantage of solar energy. These include concentrating solar power systems, passive solar heating and daylighting, photovoltaic systems to generate electricity, solar hot water, and solar process heat and space heating and cooling.

The U.S. Department of Energy has prepared a 60-second animated video showing the function of a solar cell as part of a photovoltaic panel or module.

QuickTime format:    (free QuickTime plug-in)           MPEG format:
small video, 180x135 (QuickTime 7.9 MB)                  small video (MPEG 14.8 MB)
large video, 240x180 (QuickTime 11.4 MB)                 large video (MPEG 26.5 MB)

Direct Normal Solar Radiation in the U.S.

The Division of Energy supports solar energy projects that promote the broader use and application of solar technologies in the Commonwealth.

The Division currently manages the Solar Photovoltaic Manufacturing Incentive Grant Program, a performance-based incentive designed to encourage the product development and manufacture of a high-technology, renewable energy source in Virginia. Any manufacturer who sells solar photovoltaic panels manufactured in Virginia is entitled to receive an annual grant of up to 75 cents per watt of the rated capacity of panels sold.

The Division has also helped support both Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia’s participation in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon.

We are currently collaborating with the Science Museum of Virginia to expand the public’s knowledge of solar and other innovative renewable energy technologies. The Division provides annual support to the Museum to host the annual Junior Solar Sprint – a hands-on activity where middle school students from across Virginia build and then race solar-powered model cars. The Division has also provided funding for the creation of several user interactive renewable energy displays as part of the Museum’s planned Discovery Park. Most recently, The Division, in collaboration with Virginia Tech has moved the solar house that Virginia Tech entered in the 2005 Solar Decathlon from Blacksburg to the Science Museum of Virginia for public display.

   10 kW solar array at JMU    42 kW PV at Sustainable     60+ KW Barnes project
Park

If you are interested in learning more about various solar projects in the Commonwealth,
contact Ken Jurman at 804-692-3222

If you are interested in consumer tax incentives for solar energy systems, go to www.energytaxincentives.org. Homeowners are eligible for tax credits for qualified solar water heating and photovoltaic systems. The credits are available for systems "placed in service" between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2008.

For more information about qualified installers, click here.

Resources:
American Solar Energy Society - a national organization that strives to accelerate the development and use of solar and other renewable energy resources through collaboration among industry, policy-makers and the public.

MD-DC-VA Solar Energy Industries Association (MDV-SEIA) - MDV-SEIA is a 501(c)(6) trade association of the photovoltaics and solar thermal manufacturers, distributors, and component suppliers for the mid-Atlantic region, and the local chapter of the Solar Energy Industries Association.

National Center for Photovoltaics - A central resource in PV research, development, deployment, and outreach to promote industry growth in the manufacturing of photovoltaic technology.

Potomac Regional Solar Energy Association (PRSEA) - PRSEA is a local chapter of the American Solar Energy Association. PRSEA supports renewable energy and sustainable living programs in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

Solar America Initiative – Working to accelerate widespread commercialization of solar energy technologies.

Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) - The Solar Electric Power Association is a nonprofit organization with 125 utility, electric service provider, manufacturer, installer, government, and research members.  SEPA’s mission is to facilitate the use and integration of solar electric power by utilities, electric service providers, and their customers.

Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) - the national trade association of solar energy manufacturers, dealers, distributors, contractors, installers, architects, consultants, and marketers. SEIA works to expand the use of solar technologies in the global marketplace.

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