The state of solar in Virginia

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More Virginians are going solar. Why? Besides having an average of 205 sunny days each year,* Virginia has passed several laws that support solar energy. An example is Chapter 7, Section 67-701 of the Code of Virginia, which allows property owners to install solar panels on their premises with minimal restrictions.

The state also passed the Clean Economy Act, which requires 100% of Virginia's electricity to come from solar and other clean energy sources by 2050.*

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How much solar energy does Virginia produce?

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According to the SEIA, Virginia generates 2,546.4 MW of solar energy each year, enough to power 280,993 homes. The state's solar production makes it the 11th top solar producer in the U.S. Projections indicate that the state's solar energy production will rise to 6,454 MW within five years.*

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What are the advantages of going solar in Virginia?

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Grid electricity rates in Virginia are 6.73% lower than the national average.* However, you can pay even less for electricity by switching to solar. If you install home solar panels today, you will save $20,324 to $27,497 over the next 20 years, and your installation will pay for itself within 9 to 13 years.*

Since solar panel installation costs in Virginia have dropped by 43% over the last five years, investing in solar power has never been cheaper. Even better, installing solar panels on your home can increase its resale value by thousands of dollars.

Besides the financial benefits, going solar has environmental upsides. You get to reduce the carbon footprint of your home and state, contributing to combating global warming.

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How much does solar cost in Virginia?

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The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same state, due to a range of factors. These include:

• Size and angle of your roof

• Installer rates

• Solar panel quality

• Weather

• Permit costs

• Property’s energy needs

To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we've analyzed SunPower price quotes, as well as quotes gathered by third-party sources for thousands of homeowners across the country. In Virginia, we found that the average investment to own a 5 kW solar system ranges from $13,900 to $14,550, or in other words, from $2.78 to $2.91 per watt. And that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

Taking advantage of the many solar incentives available in Virginia will significantly reduce the cost of installing a new solar system. These incentives include:

• The federal solar tax credit: Homeowners who purchase their system as opposed to leasing it, can get a tax credit of up to 30% of the total cost of the solar installation.*

• Residential property tax exemption: Most Virginia counties have property tax exemption laws that exempt homeowners from paying taxes on the added value from installing solar panels.*

• Net metering: If your solar system produces more electricity than you can use, you can send that excess back to the grid for a credit.*

• State rebates: Virginia has no statewide solar rebates, but Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) customers can receive up to $1,000 after installing solar panels.

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What's the best way to go solar in Virginia?

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Going solar is a worthwhile investment, especially if you go about it the right way. Avoid making mistakes and get the best return on your investment by working with a reputable solar installer.

After assessing your property, your contractor should be able to provide you with a solar installation that fits your budget and energy needs. Installations will stand the test of time if you install the best quality systems from leading brands.

Look into getting a solar system that will boost your property's value and complement its aesthetics. A reputable solar energy company should also help you access every available solar incentive and rebate to help you reduce installation costs.

Get started now by requesting your home solar consultation below. We’ll follow up with a quick call to schedule a time. You can also call us directly at (978) 259 5006.