Virtue Solar Now Offers TPO Solar Financing

If you’ve been thinking about going solar in Virginia, you’ve probably heard the news by now — the 30% federal residential solar tax credit is gone. As of December 31, 2025, homeowners who purchase a solar system no longer receive that credit. No phase-down, no gradual step. Just — gone.

For a typical residential solar installation, that’s roughly $9,000 that homeowners would have gotten back on their taxes just weeks earlier. And right now, there’s nothing pending in Congress to bring it back.

We’ll be honest — that stung. For years, the residential tax credit was one of the best tools we had to help Virginia homeowners make the math work on a solar purchase. But here’s the thing about solar — the industry adapts. And so do we.

Today, we’re announcing that Virtue Solar now offers TPO — Third-Party Ownership — as a solar financing option for Virginia homeowners.

What Is TPO, and Why Now?

TPO is a way to go solar with zero upfront cost. You don’t buy the panels. You don’t pay for installation. Instead, a solar system goes on your roof, and you pay a fixed monthly rate for the electricity it produces — a rate that’s typically lower than what you’re currently paying your utility.

Our goal is to make sure that homeowners save money by going solar. In the past, savings were more marginal, but with rising energy rates in Virginia, TPO now works as long as you have a sunny roof.

Here’s the key: while the residential tax credit is gone, the commercial investment tax credit, is still very much alive. That means the companies that own TPO solar systems can still claim the 30% credit (and sometimes more), and they pass those savings on to you through lower monthly payments. It’s the only remaining pathway for Virginia homeowners to indirectly benefit from federal solar incentives.

Why We’re Offering This Now

For a long time, we believed that owning your system outright was almost always the best path for homeowners. And for some people, it still is.

But the landscape has shifted dramatically. The residential tax credit is gone, loan interest rates are elevated and Virginia electricity rates? They surged 13% year-over-year in 2025 — more than double the national average — with additional approved rate increases on the way for 2026 and 2027.

Our Operations Manager, Kim Monge puts it this way: “For too long, solar energy has been out of reach for the average homeowner. TPO changes that – giving everyone the opportunity to produce clean, affordable energy regardless of their budget. With electricity rates continuing to climb, many families are already struggling to keep up with their monthly bills. TPO removes the barrier of upfront costs, making it possible to lock in lower energy rates and take control of what you pay. For homeowners with the right roof, it isn’t just about going green – it’s about keeping the lights on.

All of these factors have made TPO one of the easiest, and most attractive ways to go solar in 2026.

How TPO Works — Plain and Simple

Think of it like trading your utility bill for a solar bill — except the solar bill is typically lower and far more predictable.

With a TPO agreement, you lock into a flat monthly payment that stays consistent all year long. No seasonal spikes, no surprises. The TPO provider owns the equipment, claims the tax credits, and handles all maintenance, monitoring, and repairs for the life of the contract. If something breaks, it’s not your problem.

Some agreements include a small annual escalator — Typically between 0 – 2.99%. but even then, those increases are well below the pace of what Virginia utility rates have been doing. The result is that you’re paying less than you would to the utility, with a predictable bill you can actually plan around.

At the end of your agreement, you have options: renew at a reduced rate, buy the system outright at fair market value, or have it removed at no cost.

Jacob Tyree, our Residential Sales Director, explains it this way: “We are now offering a new option for homeowners who want the benefit of saving money on their monthly electric bills but don’t want to take out a high-interest loan or invest tens of thousands of dollars. TPO allows homeowners to go solar with $0 upfront investment. You do not buy the equipment or pay for installation. Instead, you lock into a fixed rate for your electricity and have a monthly payment that stays consistent all year long.”

Why This Matters Especially in Virginia

Virginia’s electricity situation is — to put it mildly — heading in one direction. Rates have climbed roughly 30% since 2021, and the drivers behind that aren’t going away. Data center growth, massive infrastructure investment, and volatile natural gas prices are all pushing costs higher — and Virginia homeowners are the ones feeling it on their monthly bills.

Virginia only legalized residential TPO solar on July 1, 2024, so this is still a new option for homeowners across the Commonwealth. For a lot of Virginians, this is the first time going solar has been this accessible.

Is TPO Right for You?

TPO isn’t the right fit for every situation. If you’re planning to move in fewer than five years, want to own your system outright, or are looking for the absolute best long-term ROI — a cash purchase is still the strongest route, and we’re happy to walk you through that.

But here’s what TPO does really well: it makes solar accessible to homeowners who want to lower what they pay for energy right now, without a large upfront investment or a high-interest loan. No out-of-pocket cost. A predictable monthly payment. And the peace of mind that comes with locking in a rate while utility prices keep climbing.

As Jacob puts it: “For people who want to save money without a large investment, this is a great option to look into.”

Ready to See If TPO Is Right for You?

If you’ve been on the fence about solar — or if you looked into it before and the numbers didn’t quite work — it’s worth a fresh conversation. The landscape has changed, and we’d love to walk you through what TPO looks like for your specific home and energy usage.

Meet with our team to see how much you could save on your energy bills with solar