VIRGINIA
Solar in Virginia
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
Solar potential in Virginia?
Virginia has a great potential for solar energy. The state receives an average of 4.6 hours of sunlight per day, which is well above the national average of 3.8 hours of sunlight per day. This means that Virginia has a good potential for solar energy generation.
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.
Cost of solar in Virginia?
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
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.
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.*
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 26% 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.
Advantages?
Reduced electricity bills: Solar panels can generate electricity for your home, which can help you reduce your electricity bills. The amount of savings you can expect will vary depending on the size of your solar system, the amount of sunlight your home receives, and your current electricity rates.
Increased home value: Solar panels can increase the value of your home. A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that homes with solar panels sell for an average of $15,000 more than homes without solar panels.
Environmental benefits: Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of energy. It does not produce any emissions, which can help to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Solar energy can also help to make Virginia a more sustainable state.
Job creation: The solar industry is a growing industry in Virginia. The industry employs thousands of people in the state, and it is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
Self-reliance: Solar panels can help you become more self-reliant on energy. This can be a valuable asset in the event of a power outage.
Disadvantages?
Shade: Solar panels need direct sunlight to generate electricity. If your home is in a shady area, or things are covering your panels you may not be able to generate as much electricity with solar panels.
Weather: Some Solar panels can be damaged by hail, snow, and strong winds. However, our solar panels are designed to withstand these conditions and even extreme weather conditions like hurricanes, tornado, and blizzards.
Panels aesthetic: Our solar panels are different. They are all black, sleek, and thin. They have a more modern look. Some people find solar panels on homes unattractive and if your feel like that we also offer Ground mount installations. It’s a great option if you have open land that receives good sunlight.
Virginia state policies?
Net metering: Virginia has a net metering policy that allows homeowners to sell excess solar power back to their utility company at the retail rate. This means that for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of solar power that you generate and send back to the grid, you will receive a credit on your electricity bill.
Property tax exemptions: Virginia exempts homeowners from paying property taxes on the increased value of their home that is due to solar panels. This means that if you install solar panels and your home value increases by $15,000, you will not have to pay property taxes on that $15,000.
Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs): Virginia offers Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) to homeowners who generate solar power. SRECs are tradable certificates that represent 1 megawatt-hour (MWh) of solar generation. Utilities are required to purchase SRECs from solar generators in order to meet their renewable energy goals. The price of SRECs varies depending on the market, but they can provide an additional source of income for homeowners who generate solar power.
Maintaining solar panels?
Solar panels are relatively low-maintenance. However, you should have them cleaned every few years to remove dirt, dust, and debris. You can clean your solar panels yourself, or you can hire a professional to do it for you.
What's the best way to go solar?
Are you interested in going solar in Virginia? If so, we can help!
Before going solar, be sure to keep in mind factors that will affect the output of clean energy to your home. For instance, South-facing roofs generate the most energy, followed by west-facing roofs. North-facing roofs generate the least amount of energy. We look into multiple aspects to make sure you have the most effective setup such as roof orientation, roof pitch, shade, and weather.
We offer a free virtual consultation and savings report to help you determine if solar is right for you. We will also help you access solar incentives and rebates to reduce the cost of installation.
Freedom Forever solar panels system is Top-Tier and backed by a 25-year full system production guarantee. We also offer a satisfaction guarantee, so you can be sure that you are making the right decision and test it out stress free.
If you are interested in learning more about solar power in Viriginia, please contact us today for a free virtual consultation.
We look forward to helping you make the switch to solar!