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Virginia · VA

Solar Panels in Virginia:
Is It Worth It in 2026?

Virginia averages 1371.5 kWh per kWp per year with 5 peak sun hours per day. At 15.87¢/kWh, an 8 kW system saves roughly $1,621/year and pays back in about 9.3 years.

Virginia Solar at a Glance

Peak sun hours / day5 hrs
Avg solar yield1371.5 kWh/kWp/yr
Electricity rate15.87¢ / kWh
Avg payback (8 kW)9.3 years
Annual savings (8 kW)$1,621/yr
Net meteringFull retail net metering ✓

EIA data updated: April 11, 2026 · EIA, PVGIS v5.3

Solar Incentives in Virginia

Federal ITC
30%

The 30% federal solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. Cash and loan purchases no longer qualify. State incentives below still apply.

State Programs
Rebates & Exemptions

SREC market, Dominion Energy rebates, sales & property tax exemptions

Total Savings
Varies

Utility rebates, exemptions, and net metering still apply. Federal ITC expired Dec 2025. Plus sales tax exemption. Property value increase is tax-exempt.

All Available Incentives in Virginia

Federal ITC (Section 25D) — Expired December 31, 2025 — no longer available for residential cash/loan
Sales Tax Exemption — Solar equipment is sales-tax exempt
Property Tax Exemption — Solar-added home value not taxed
SREC Market — Earn certificates for energy produced
Net Metering — Full retail net metering ✓

How Much Solar Power Do Virginia Cities Get?

Real PVGIS yield data and EIA electricity rates for all 6 cities. Click any city for detailed payback calculations.

Virginia Beach
1397.3 kWh/kWp · 9.2 yr payback
Chesapeake
1391.6 kWh/kWp · 9.2 yr payback
Norfolk
1404.2 kWh/kWp · 9.1 yr payback
Arlington
1334.3 kWh/kWp · 9.6 yr payback
Richmond
1365.3 kWh/kWp · 9.4 yr payback
Roanoke
1336.3 kWh/kWp · 9.6 yr payback
Personalized estimate

Enter your monthly bill — get exact payback numbers for Virginia.

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All Virginia incentives

Full breakdown of credits, rebates, net metering, and SREC programs.

Incentives

Solar in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions

Is solar worth it in Virginia?
For many homeowners, yes — though payback is longer than average in Virginia. Low electricity rates (14.77¢/kWh) extend payback to 9.3 years. But the 25-year savings (~$29,830) still significantly exceed system costs, and electricity prices will likely rise. Virginia passed the Clean Economy Act requiring Dominion to reach net metering. New state-level Solar Incentive Rebates launched in 2024.
What solar incentives are available in Virginia?
Virginia homeowners can stack multiple incentives: the state solar incentives (federal ITC expired Dec 2025) (ITC) — $6,480 on a typical 8 kW system; a property tax exemption (solar-added home value not taxed); sales tax exemption on solar equipment; and net metering through Dominion Energy VA / Appalachian Power. Virginia passed the Clean Economy Act requiring Dominion to reach net metering. New state-level Solar Incentive Rebates launched in 2024.
How much electricity do solar panels produce in Virginia?
Virginia averages 1371.5 kWh per kWp of solar per year — 9% below the US average. An 8 kW system produces roughly 10,972 kWh/year, with a monthly average of 114.3 kWh/kWp. Output varies by location: southern Virginia produces more than the north.
How much do solar panels cost in Virginia?
The average 8 kW system in Virginia costs approximately $21,600.0 before incentives. After the 30% federal ITC ($6,480), your net cost is around $15,120. Prices range from $2.40–$3.20/watt installed depending on installer, panel brand, and humid subtropical climate, good sun in the south.

Going Solar in Virginia: Step by Step

From first quote to first kilowatt — here is the typical timeline for a residential solar installation in Virginia. Most homeowners complete this process in 6–12 weeks.

  1. 1
    Get 3 quotes

    Prices in Virginia average $22,400 for an 8 kW system before incentives. Getting three quotes typically saves 10–15%. Use the same system size so you can compare apples to apples.

  2. 2
    Review your electricity bill

    Your last 12 months of usage determines the right system size. At 15.87¢/kWh in Virginia, a system that offsets 90% of your bill hits the best cost-per-kWh sweet spot.

  3. 3
    Check state incentives

    Virginia does not have a statewide solar tax credit, but utility rebates and net metering may still apply. SREC market.

  4. 4
    Sign contract & apply for permits

    Your installer pulls the building permit and files interconnection paperwork with your utility. Permit approval in Virginia typically takes 1–4 weeks depending on your county.

  5. 5
    Installation day

    A standard 8 kW residential installation takes 1–2 days. Racking goes on first, then panels, then the inverter is wired to your main panel. The crew usually keeps the power on throughout.

  6. 6
    Utility inspection & interconnection

    After installation your utility inspects the system and approves grid connection. This final step can take 1–3 weeks. Once approved, your meter tracks both import and export.

Data summary for Virginia: Virginia averages 1371.5 kWh/kWp/year with 5.0 peak sun hours/day. Electricity costs 14.77¢/kWh. An 8 kW solar system saves ~$1,621/year and pays back in 9.3 years. SREC market, Dominion Energy rebates, sales & property tax exemptions.