Is Richmond, VA Good for Solar?

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.

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.

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.

Richmond Supports Solar

It’s never been easier to install solar in Richmond. The city is a Gold Member of SolSmart, a national program recognizing cities that make it faster, cheaper, and easier for homeowners to go solar. Richmond’s permitting process is streamlined, with many projects approved in just a few weeks.

The city is also committed to sustainability, pushing for 100% renewable energy by 2050. By going solar now, you’re aligning with Richmond’s clean energy future while benefiting from today’s financial incentives.

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!). We recommend reading plenty of reviews, comparing their service warranties (many companies don’t have any service warranty, let alone a 30-year warranty), and absolutely reading our complete guide to going solar in Richmond, VA. It covers incentives, process, and what to look for to get the best out of your solar project.

Getting solar on your home is a big but rewarding decision. If you want to get a hassle-free and dollars-free quote, just fill out our form and we’ll put together a proposal that shows you how much it would cost, and what you could save over the years.