Solar SME Virginia
Top-Rated Solar & Battery Installers
Experience energy independence with smart and sustainable power
With an average of 205 sunny days, Virginia is one of the best states for solar panel installation in the Mid-Atlantic region. The state already has more than 4.8 gigawatts of solar installed across the state. It also has over half a million homes with solar rooftops. To help Virginians prepare for a more sustainable future, the Commonwealth of Virginia offers solar incentives. These solar rebates encourage homeowners and businesses to embrace renewable energy with low upfront costs. Solar SME is a certified solar installation company in Virginia serving 11 states across the United States. We offer tailored solar and backup power solutions as per your unique energy needs. Backed up by leading solar warranties, our post-solar installation services make us stand out in the market.
How much can you save on electric bills with solar in Virginia?
Virginia residents spend approximately $207 per month on electricity. This adds up to $2,484 per year. Over the next 25 years, you may expect to pay $88,000 in energy costs in Virginia. If you install a solar system, you will typically break even in 10.83 years in Virginia. The average Virginia homeowner needs a 13.49 kW solar panel system to meet their electricity requirements. In addition, with Virginia solar incentives like the federal tax credit and other state-specific incentives, you can save thousands of dollars on solar panels, making them a worthwhile investment. However, the amount you can save with solar in Virginia depends on your system selections. Also, adding solar battery storage will save you more, as you can send excess power to the grid and earn energy credits. Furthermore, with the Virginia SRECs program, you can sell your credits to the utilities and earn from them.
25-year Savings
$62,880
Payback Period
10 Years
10 Years
Electricity Offset
84%
84%
Solar Financing Options in Virginia by Solar SME
Installing a solar energy system in Virginia is a smart investment for your home or business nowadays. Although losing a 30% federal tax credit will increase the upfront cost, rising electricity rates, inflation, and climate-driven grid instability still reflect the value of solar. There are 3 main financing options for managing initial solar expenses.
Purchasing a solar panel system offers the maximum long-term returns. There is no loan paperwork, no interest calculations, no increasing lease payments, and no monthly payments after installation. Also, your home value will boost by 7%-14% and you qualify for the federal and other solar incentives in Pennsylvania.
If you don't have enough cash to pay for your solar panel system but still want to own it, a solar loan is a viable alternative for you. You will make fixed monthly payments for 5-25 years while benefiting from instant energy savings. Fixed payments provide cost predictability, unlike utility bills or lease escalators, which rise over time. The good news is that the Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the first time this year, dropping the federal funds rate another 25 basis points, bringing the benchmark lending rate down to 4.0% - 4.25%. The best part is that you will be qualified for available state tax incentives and rebates. The trusted solar installer in Virginia, like Solar SME, can help you to go solar with 0% APR option.
As the 30% tax credit is expiring, solar leases are emerging as the best alternative to take advantage of solar power. Third-party financing requires you to pay a fixed monthly lease payment or per-kWh rate (PPA) for the solar energy produced by the system. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, this rate is 10% to 30% lower than your electric bills. As you are not the owner, the federal tax credit and other solar incentives' expiry will not impact your savings. However, it is vital to choose your solar leasing plans wisely. Solar SME, the top solar provider in Virginia, offers the best solar lease options for making your solar journey affordable.
Best Residential Solar Incentives and Rebates in Virginia
Virginia offers some of the best solar and battery incentives and local rebates in the country. As electric rates surge daily, going solar can result in substantial savings. However, the federal solar tax credit will expire in 2025. Let’s have a look at the top solar energy programs in Virginia:
01- Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit
The Residential Clean Energy Credit, or federal investment tax credit (ITC), can reduce the cost of a solar panel installation by 30%. This incentive covers the complete system, including equipment, labour, permits, and sales tax. However, on July 4, 2025, President Trump signed legislation that totally eliminated the residential solar tax credit, effective January 1, 2026, nearly a decade before its original expiration date.
02- Virginia Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs)
The Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA) established a renewable portfolio standard, requiring utilities to generate a specific quantity of renewable energy. Under this program, you can earn one SREC for every megawatt-hour (MWh) of clean power your panels generate, which can subsequently be sold to utilities to contribute to their renewable generation. Virginia SREC prices fluctuate depending on market demand, but you can expect to earn approximately $22.50 per SREC in VA. To begin selling SRECs, register your system with your utility company. Following that, an aggregator or broker will handle the acquisition and sale of your SRECs with the utility.
03- Virginia Solar Energy Equipment Property Tax Exemption
Virginia permits communities to provide property tax breaks for households that have solar systems. Solar panels increase the value of your home, but if your town has a solar property tax exemption, you won’t have to worry about your increasing tax payment. However, Virginia’s property tax exemption can be confusing. For the first five years that you own your system, 80% of its value is exempt from property taxes. 70% of the system’s value will be exempt for the next five years. For the rest of the solar panel’s life, 60% is free from property assessment.
04- Battery Storage Incentives in Virginia
Virginia does not provide any state-specific battery incentives. However, any solar batteries bigger than 3 kWh are qualified for the 30% federal tax credit. In Virginia, you can also use your battery to increase your energy independence and offer backup power during outages.
Is net metering available in Virginia?
If you connect your solar panel system to the grid, you can take advantage of net metering, one of the best solar panel incentives available in Virginia. Net metering policies in Virginia are generally favourable to customers. Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power Company provide net metering at the full retail rate of electricity, in a one-on-one transaction. To qualify, your solar panel system’s capacity must be under 25kW. Furthermore, it is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the aggregate capacity limit for the year is reached, no new participants can enrol in net metering. Currently, the aggregate capacity restriction is 6% of the previous year’s peak-load prediction, with 1% set aside for low-income utility users and 5% available to everyone else.
Commercial Solar Installation in Virginia
Commercial solar installation in Virginia is an effective way for businesses to combat all of the power challenges. Businesses can generate power using free and unlimited sunlight via commercial solar panels. Furthermore, using solar electricity combined with a reliable battery backup system like Tesla Powerwall 3 eliminates power disruptions. Hence, enabling smooth workflow and increased operational resiliency. Like residential solar installation, you are also eligible for a 30% federal tax credit for commercial solar systems. Additionally, High Performance Building Program, MACRS Depreciation, and PACE Financing options are available for business solar installation.
Why is it worth it to switch to solar in Virginia?
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) expects U.S. residential electricity prices to average 16.8 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in 2025, up 2% from last year. With reduced solar panel costs, rising bad weather conditions, and long power outages, solar continues to deliver major financial benefits in Virginia. Top reasons to switch to solar in VA include:
Low Electric
Bills
Maximum Grid Independence
Flexible Financing Options
Increased Home Value
Earn Energy Credits/SREC Programs
The best way to determine how to maximize your solar savings in Virginia is to consult with a local solar installer. Solar companies near you can guide you with the best solar solutions and incentives in your area and can help you to get the most out of your solar investment.
Calculate your Solar Savings with Solar SME Smart Solar Calculator NOW!
Follow the 4 simple steps below to get a FREE Quote and take your first step towards solar:
Step 1:
Property Type
Step 2:
Financing Options
Step 3:
Enter Your Current Electric
Bill & System Preferences
$
Our Customers are Getting Up to 90% Lower Electric Bills with
Solar SME Tailored
Solar Solutions
Solar SME provides its valuable clients with an exceptional solar experience by designing solutions according to its customers’ unique needs. Also, we hold a positive image in solar marketplaces like Energysage. Moreover, we are accredited with BBB, and our happy customers share their solar experience and highly recommend Solar SME for the best solar services in Pennsylvania.
City: Richmond
System Size: 8.5 kW
Annual Savings: $1,250
City: Virginia Beach
System Size: 9.7 kW
Annual Savings: $1,430
City: Norfolk
System Size: 12.3 kW
Annual Savings: $1,820
City: Roanoke
System Size: 7.6 kW
Annual Savings: $1,120
City: Alexandria
System Size: 10.8 kW
Annual Savings: $1,600
City: Chesapeake
System Size: 11.5 kW
Annual Savings: $1,730
Frequently Asked Questions
Virginia offers the Federal Solar Tax Credit (30%), net metering benefits, local utility rebates, and property tax exemptions, making solar installation more affordable and financially attractive. Moreover, VA SRECs program also helps to maximize savings.
Yes. Some utilities like Dominion Energy or Appalachian Power provide incentives for installing solar. These rebates vary by provider and can reduce upfront installation costs.
Select licensed, experienced solar installers like Solar SME who are familiar with local regulations, permitting, and incentives. They ensure proper installation, optimal performance, and smooth utility coordination.
Yes. Flexible financing options include cash purchases, solar loans, and solar leases. Financing helps homeowners spread costs while benefiting from energy savings.
With Solar SME smart solar calculator, enter property type, energy usage, and system preferences. You’ll receive an instant, personalized estimate showing potential savings and system recommendations.