Virginia is a popular place for residents who are considering solar panels. With an average of almost 220 sunny days each year in the state, solar panels can do a lot of work when placed strategically. However, residents who are thinking about getting panels installed may see the process as a daunting task, and it’s important to know what to expect.
The good news is that solar installation experts can make this process easier, guiding their customers through the intricacies of everything from the first quote to proper array placement and even connecting their panels to the net metering program.
Here are four important things to know about getting residential solar panels in Virginia so that you can come into the process prepared and confident.
Virginia Participates in Net Metering
Each state operates differently when participating with programs related to solar panels, and Virginia has chosen to participate in net metering. Net metering is an agreement between your utility company, like Dominion Energy, and its consumers.
When a solar panel produces energy for a home, the home is able to run on green energy instead of taking energy from the electric grid. This reduces the toll on the utility provider’s systems, and homeowners will receive credit on their monthly bill for the extra kilowatt hours (KwH) of electricity that their panels are generating.
In order to participate in net metering, the solar panel system will need to be properly set up and all documentation completed in order to activate the connection between Dominion (or another participating energy provider, such as NOVEC) and that individual home. A comprehensive solar installer can help their customers do this as part of the installation process.
Solar Incentives Are Available in Virginia
For homeowners that have installed solar panels, the state offers a property tax exemption to reduce their overall tax burden. Within the year after the array has been installed the project total value can be deducted from the total taxable value of the property. Other local incentives may be available so be sure to ask your installer about your specific locality.
In addition, residents in Virginia can benefit from the 30% federal solar investment tax credit. The value of this solar tax credit can even be carried across years, so if you do not have enough tax liability to benefit from the full value of the credit, you can claim some of it one year and save the rest for later.
Solar Systems Are Custom Designed
Many people see their neighbors getting solar panels and make plans based on the arrangement, cost, and timeline that their neighbors experienced.
However, each solar panel array is unique and will be based on multiple factors, such as the shape of the property, the home structure, where the sun is most intense, where shade may reduce energy production, the condition of the roof, and how much energy the home uses, among other elements.
This is why it is always best to start planning with the help of expert installers, who can provide a specific, customized quote that is relevant to your unique situation.
Batteries Are Compatible With Solar Panel Arrays
One of the biggest factors that discourages people from committing to clean energy from solar is that they worry about what will happen on darker days when rain, snow, or clouds block out the rays of the sun. First, know that solar radiation still penetrates clouds, and panels can continue to produce energy even if you can’t see the sun.
Second, solar panel systems can be set up with a battery, allowing the home to continue to benefit from eco-friendly energy during off-peak hours, such as after sunset. Installing solar panels and batteries and participating in net metering are not mutually exclusive; an experienced installer can help you understand how a battery fits into the system.
Get Residential Solar Panels from an Amicus Solar Installer
Installing solar panels is a worthwhile commitment to green energy and reducing your overall monthly expenses. However, it’s important to entrust this task to a reputable installer who can get the job done right the first time and accurately design a system that is equipped to address your home’s energy needs.
Ipsun Solar is a participant in the Amicus Solar Cooperative—a group of solar installers with a commitment to high-quality, reliable solar systems that improve our communities and expand the reach of clean energy. Membership in Amicus is one of the best (and only) ways to ensure that an installer with will do a quality job and be there for the long term. Contact us to get started on a quote for residential solar panels for your home.
