Are you a RVA local thinking about going solar? At Virtue Solar, we’ve been installing solar in the Richmond & Henrico area since 2016. While going solar can be a big decision, are some of the incentives that make solar in Richmond VA a great choice:
How Sunny is Richmond, VA?
Richmond enjoys a favorable climate for solar energy. While it might not be as sunny as Phoenix, AZ, Richmond’s weather is still very conducive to solar power. The city has an annual solar radiation of approximately 4.9 kWh/m2/day, which is 22% more than in Portland, OR and just 5% less than Boulder, CO. With electric rates continuing to rise, solar panels are a great way to lock in your energy costs for the future.
Federal Tax Credit
The Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) provides homeowners with a 30% credit on the cost of solar projects. Projects begun before 2032 are eligible for the full 30% tax credit, making solar even more affordable.
SRECs
SRECs (Solar Renewable Energy Credits) are an additional financial benefit for solar system owners. The VCEA act of 2020 created a carbon market that allows solar homeowners to generate extra income from their solar systems. The SREC credits can be sold, generating 20-30% extra value from your solar installation. This can significantly boost the return on investment for your solar system.
Is It Easy to Go Solar in Richmond?
We’ve been installing in the Richmond area since 2016 and have found that the city and Dominion Energy, the local utility company, are easy to work with. Richmond has a straightforward application process, and Dominion offers net metering to its customers, allowing you to get the most value out of your solar system. With our streamlined process, going solar in Richmond is as easy as it can be.
Solar Zoning in Richmond
In the City of Richmond, property owners are permitted to install solar panels as an accessory use on their property across all zoning districts. Solar panels are classified as an accessory use, meaning that any relevant setbacks will apply. The City of Richmond treats solar panels similarly to other accessory mechanical applications, such as air conditioning units, allowing their placement in the side yard or on the roof.
if you live in one of Richmond’s Old and Historic Districts, your solar project will have to go through an architectural review if the panels would be visible from a public space or street.
How to find a reputable solar company in Richmond, VA
There are several great solar companies in Richmond, VA (Hey, we’d like to think we are top of that list!) but Richmond is a big market, so there are some to avoid as well. Most national companies are best to be avoided due to price and quality of work, but there are some reputable local companies as well.
We recommend reading plenty of reviews, comparing their service warranties (many companies don’t have any service warranty, let alone a 25-year service warranty), and if you are being pressured to sign a contract within 48hrs, don’t do it! Companies that stand behind their offer and work do not need to close a deal within a few days. Get a few quotes, and make sure you trust that the company you work with will be there to support you down the road. Solar is all about the long-term return, so don’t be rushed to sign a 20-year loan or lease. Make sure you do it on your time and terms.