Complete Guide to Solar Energy in Virginia
Your complete resource for solar energy in Virginia. Everything you need to know about solar laws, solar costs, solar financing, and solar installation.
Why Virginia is Perfect for Solar Energy
Abundant Sunshine
Virginia receives over 200 sunny days annually with approximately 2,800-3,000 hours of sunshine per year. Cities across the state provide excellent solar radiation levels, making Virginia ideal for year-round solar energy production and strong investment returns.
Property Tax Exemptions
Virginia offers substantial property tax exemptions for solar installations: 80% exemption for the first five years, 70% for the next five years, and 60% thereafter. Many localities provide additional exemptions, significantly reducing the long-term cost of solar ownership.
Strong Net Metering
Virginia’s net metering policy credits solar owners at full retail electricity rates for excess energy sent to the grid. This 1-to-1 credit system maximizes savings and accelerates payback periods, making solar financially attractive throughout the state.
Federal Tax Credit Expiring
The 30% federal Investment Tax Credit expires December 31, 2025, representing the final opportunity for maximum federal savings. Combined with Virginia’s property tax exemptions and net metering, 2025 offers optimal conditions for solar investment.
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Laws & Regulations
Federal ITC, Virginia property tax exemptions, net metering policies, Solar Freedom Act, HOA solar rights (§55.1-1820.1), and third-party solar financing regulations.
Residential Solar
Complete guide for Virginia homeowners, system components, benefits, installation requirements, and understanding Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power interconnection processes.
Costs & Savings
2025 pricing ($2.78-$3.02/watt), cost breakdown, savings calculations, payback periods, and ROI analysis for Virginia’s electricity market with major utilities.
Financing Options
Solar loans, leases, PPAs, third-party financing (legal since July 2024), PACE financing, and available incentive programs for Virginia residents.
Installation Guide
Choosing installers, permits, contracts, installation process, utility interconnection requirements, and navigating local property tax exemption applications.
Solar 101
Basics of solar technology, components, panel types, efficiency ratings, battery storage options, and maintenance requirements for Virginia’s climate conditions.
Community Solar
Shared solar programs under the Solar Freedom Act, virtual net metering, community solar options for renters, and low-income solar access programs.
Solar Calculator
Estimate your solar savings and system requirements based on Virginia electricity rates (14.71¢/kWh average), net metering credits, and regional sunshine levels.
Quick Solar Savings Calculator
Important 2026 Updates
Federal ITC Expiration
The 30% federal Investment Tax Credit expires December 31, 2025. Systems must be installed and operational by year-end to qualify. No residential solar tax credit exists after 2025.
IRS Residential Clean Energy Credit →Net Metering Protection
Virginia regulators rejected Appalachian Power’s proposal to reduce net metering credits in August 2025. Full retail rate credits preserved for solar owners. Dominion Energy’s proposal pending review.
Virginia SCC Net Metering Decision →Virginia Solar Laws & Regulations
Understanding the legal framework that supports solar energy in Virginia
Federal Incentives
30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC) available through December 31, 2025, saving $5,000-$8,000 on typical residential systems. No residential credit after 2025.
Learn More →Property Tax Exemption
Virginia localities offer solar property tax exemptions: typically 80% for first 5 years, 70% for next 5 years, 60% thereafter. Exemptions vary by locality.
Learn More →Solar Access Rights
Virginia Code §55.1-1820.1 protects homeowners’ rights to install solar. HOAs cannot prohibit solar unless the recorded declaration specifically bans it. HOAs may impose reasonable restrictions.
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