Creating community solar pilot program

SB 34 establishes a community solar pilot program in West Virginia, allowing multiple subscribers (retail electricity customers) to share a solar facility and receive bill credits for the electricity generated, directly reducing their utility costs. Facilities must meet specific criteria, including having at least three subscribers, being limited to 5 megawatts (or 10 megawatts on qualifying sites like brownfields), setting aside 40% of capacity for small subscribers (25 kW or less), and operating within a utility's service territory. The program includes a "net crediting" mechanism for low-income customers (earning ≤80% of area median income), directing a portion of bill credits to low-income service organizations, and requires the Public Service Commission to create implementing rules by January 1, 2026. The pilot is separate from existing net metering and excludes rural cooperatives and small municipal utilities.