Abingdon is the latest to join the ranks of SolSmart designated Communities. The town received a Bronze designation noting that it is “solar ready”, creating a clear path for businesses and residents to go solar.

"Elizabeth Marshall of Weldon Cooper UVA and Planning Staff presented the council with information detailing how solar facilities operate along with incentives, environmental concerns and decommissioning." Suffolk News-Herald

Intern Irene Cox and the Energy Transition Initiative team "have crafted a report advising communities on the deal they should strike with developers – noting that decommissioning a large solar array could take months and cost more than a million dollars." Virginia Public Radio

Cardinal News provides insight into solar energy takeaways for Southwest and Southside Virginia based on the Weldon Cooper Center's Solar Survey.

"Whatever the state decides to do, Bill Shobe notes we are already seeing a big benefit from our growing reliance on green energy.