Virginia has a new law that benefits new rooftop solar arrays with a nameplate generating capacity of not more than 25 kW.

The bill, which was signed into law April 11 exempts those arrays from state and local taxes. The bill, SB 686, takes effect on January 1.

The exemptions are good for five years and already-paid taxes may be reimbursable.

Will Giese, southeast regional director for the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), said in a statement that the bill “significantly strengthened customer energy choice in Virginia with a business-friendly approach to promoting the local clean economy.”

As of the end of 2021, almost 4% of Virginia’s electric generating capacity was solar, according to SEIA.  Installed capacity was around 3.8 GW across some 25,000 installations.