Solar SME Virginia
Top-Rated Solar & Battery Installer
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 in Virginia encourage homeowners and businesses to embrace renewable energy with low upfront costs. Solar SME is a certified solar 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 12 years in Virginia. The average Virginia homeowner needs a 13.49 kW solar panel system to meet their electricity requirements. In addition, you can reduce the cost of solar panels in Virginia with solar incentives, making them a worthwhile investment. However, the amount you can save with solar panels 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
~$50,182
Payback Period
12 Years
Electricity Offset
Up to 100%
Solar Financing Options in Virginia by Solar SME
Installing solar panels in Virginia can be a worthwhile investment for homeowners and businesses looking to gain greater control over their energy costs. With electricity rates rising, inflation continuing to affect household and business expenses, and grid reliability facing increasing challenges, solar remains a valuable long-term energy solution. 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 solar incentives in Virginia.
If you don’t have enough cash to purchase a solar panel system outright but still want to own it, a solar loan can be a viable option. You make fixed monthly payments over a set term, typically 5–25 years, while benefiting from potential energy savings from day one. Fixed payments can also provide greater cost predictability than rising utility rates or lease escalators. Plus, solar loan financing allows you to retain ownership and take advantage of applicable state incentives and rebates. Solar SME, a trusted solar installer in Virginia, offers financing options, including 0% APR options for qualified customers, to help make going solar more accessible.
Solar leases and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) offer an affordable way to switch to solar without purchasing a system upfront. You pay a fixed monthly lease or per-kWh rate while the provider handles installation, maintenance, and monitoring. Solar SME offers flexible solar lease options in Virginia for reliable, affordable clean energy.
Best Residential Solar Incentives and Rebates in Virginia
Virginia solar incentives and local rebate programs can help reduce the upfront expenses of going solar. With several state and local programs available, understanding your options can make your solar investment more affordable. Let’s take a look at the top solar panel incentives and programs available in Virginia:
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. VA 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.
Virginia Solar Energy Equipment Property Tax Exemption
Virginia allows local communities to offer property tax exemptions for qualifying residential solar systems. While solar panels can increase your home’s value, this exemption can help reduce the added property tax burden. The exemption follows a declining schedule: 80% of the system’s value is exempt during the first five years, 70% for the next five years, and 60% for the remaining life of the solar system. However, local eligibility and rules may vary by jurisdiction.
Battery Storage Incentives in Virginia
Virginia currently does not offer a dedicated statewide incentive specifically for battery storage. However, qualifying energy storage systems may benefit from available incentives when they meet applicable requirements. Adding a battery to your solar system can also increase energy independence, store excess solar power for later use, and provide reliable backup electricity during grid outages, helping people maintain essential power when utility service is interrupted.
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. 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?
Going solar in Virginia is a worthy investment that provides a massive ROI and appealing benefits. However, you need to determine your solar viability. Remember to consider include your monthly energy bills, your system size requirements and installation fee, the direction your roof faces.
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!
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Our Customers are Getting Up to 90% Lower Electric Bills with
Solar SME Tailored
Solar Solutions
Solar SME is among best solar installers in Virginia. We provide our valuable clients with an exceptional solar experience from consultation till throughout their solar journey. We are BBB accredited and also hold a positive image in solar marketplaces like Energysage. Our customers highly recommend Solar SME for the best solar services in Virginia.
City: Richmond
System Size: 8.5kW
Annual Savings: $1,250
City: Virginia Beach
System Size: 9.7kW
Annual Savings: $1,430
City: Norfolk
System Size: 12.3kW
Annual Savings: $1,820
City: Roanoke
System Size: 7.6kW
Annual Savings: $1,120
City: Alexandria
System Size: 10.8kW
Annual Savings: $1,600
City: Chesapeake
System Size: 11.5kW
Annual Savings: $1,730
Frequently Asked Questions
Virginia offers several solar incentives that can help improve the financial value of a solar installation, including net metering, utility-specific rebates, and property tax exemptions. The Virginia Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program can also provide eligible solar system owners with an additional opportunity to earn income from the clean electricity their systems generate.
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.
The cost of solar system varies depending on your energy preferences. However, flexible financing options include cash purchases, solar loans, and solar leases 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.