Plug-in Solar (Balcony Solar) Is coming to Virginia
Virginia's HB 395 legalizes plug-in solar starting January 1, 2027. Here's what renters and homeowners need to know before buying a balcony solar system.
Common Solar Questions
Answers to common questions about solar panels and installing solar on your home
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Is Solar Still Worth It Without the Tax Credit?
The 30% solar tax credit is gone — does solar still make sense with low equipment costs, rising electricity rates, and new financing options?
What the “Big Beautiful Bill” Means for Solar in Virginia
Learn all the impacts of the OBBB on solar, and how they affect Virginians, from residential solar to commercial solar tax credits.
Watts, Kilowatts, and Kilowatt-Hours—What Do They Mean in Solar?
Discover how understanding kW and kWh can affect solar system size, production, and battery options in solar quotes.
Are Solar Panels the Best Home Investment in 2025?
Tariffs, uncertainty, and solar panels, oh my! If you're looking ground in 2025, read on to see how solar panels retain their value over time
What’s the Payback Period for Residential Solar Panels in Virginia?
How quickly do solar panels pay for themselves in Virginia? Find out average payback rates, and understand the factors that impact them.
Is Solar Dead in 2025?
Is it all over? Should we start building personal coal-plants? Don't worry! We cover where solar is at, what to expect, and how to keep going!
Home Standby Generators vs. Battery Backup Systems
Choosing between a home battery and a standby generator? Learn the differences, costs, and benefits to backup power options for your home.
The Best Tesla Powerwall 3 Alternatives in 2025
Looking for an alternative to the Tesla Powerwall 3? Here are the best options, with full comparisons and pros & cons of each solar battery.
How Long Do Home Solar Batteries Last?
How long do home solar batteries really last? 1 year? 20 years? Find out what affects battery life, and if they make sense for your home!
Do Solar Panels Work in Virginia Winters?
Learn how solar panels perform in Virginia winters, and how cold temperatures actually increases solar efficiency, if not overall production.
I got door-knocked by a solar salesman— Is it a scam?
Get doorknocked by a solar salesman? Does it work? is it efficient? Is it a good investment? Or, is solar just a complete scam? Read my story
Federal Solar Tax Credits: The Complete Guide
The complete guide to understanding the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit, or ITC. See eligibility, tax forms, and more.
Ground Mount Solar Vs. Roof Mount: Which is Right for You?
Explore the pros and cons of roof and ground mount solar panel systems to find the best fit for your home.
Do Solar Home Batteries Make Sense in Virginia?
Do solar home batteries make sense in Virginia? Are batteries + solar worth it? Learn more and see what's new in energy storage for 2025.
What’s the Best Residential Solar Panel in 2025?
What's the best solar panel in 2025? Read on to learn how to compare panels, and get the best value when shopping for solar panels.
What’s the Best Solar Inverter in 2025?
Solar inverters are the most important peice of equipment in a solar system. See what we think is the best solar inverter in 2025.
Does Solar Add Value To Your Home?
Do solar panels add value to your home in Virginia? We look at what studies and realtors say, and explain what it means for homeowners in VA.
New Treasury Rules Expand Solar Tax Credit Access for Nonprofits
On Tuesday, Nov. 19th the IRS finalized its Direct Pay guidelines, expanding access to the solar tax credit for nonprofits and partnerships.
REC Alpha Pure-RX 460W Solar Panel Review
Is the REC Alpha Pure-RX 460W Solar panel the best panel on the market? We take a look at the newest offering from REC and give it a review.
Should You Buy a Home Battery or Wait for Bidirectional EV Charging?
Should you get a home battery like the Powerwall 3, or wait for bidirectional charging? Learn pros & cons, and where things stand currently.
How Shade Affects Microinverters & String Inverters
Learn the pros and cons of string inverters & microinverters, and how they perform in shade, so you can get the best for your solar system.
Should I Install a Smart Electric Panel, Like the SPAN Panel?
is a smart panel like the SPAN panel worth it? Let’s take a look at what the SPAN panel offers and whether it’s a good fit for your solar home
Enphase 5P Vs. Tesla Powerwall 3: What’s the best battery for solar?
What's the best battery for solar storage? Enphase & Tesla have pros and cons. Learn the benefits of Powerwall 3 and Enphase 5P batteries.
Is Richmond, VA Good for Solar?
Interested in RVA solar? See the solar panel incentives and potential that make Richmond, VA a great city for solar homes.
Do Solar Panels Help Keep Homes Cool?
Solar panels block direct sunlight from hitting your roof, which can keep your home cooler and reduce summer electric bills even further!
What Happens to Solar Homes When the Power Goes Out?
What happens to homes with solar panels when the power goes out? We explain which solar homes stay powered, and the pros and cons of each.
Protect Your Solar Investment: A Guide to Understanding Solar Warranties
Learn about different solar warranties, what equipment is covered, and how to avoid unexpected costs after installing solar.
Third-party solar leasing is now allowed in Virginia
Solar leases are available to Virginia homeowners. Learn about the pros & cons, and see if solar leasing is the right option for your home.
What are Dominion’s Standby Fees?
If you’re a residential Dominion customer that is considering going solar, learn about Dominion’s standby fees, and how to avoid them!
Are Local Solar Companies Better Than Big National Companies?
Should you choose a local solar company, or a big national one? Look at the pros and cons, and see which solar company is best for you.
Hail vs. Solar Panels: Who Wins?
Does hail damage solar panels? Find out if you're at risk, which panels are strongest, and which areas have highest risk from hail.
How to clean solar panels
Learn how to clean your solar panels, to get the most out of your solar. See when to clean them, how to do it, and how to avoid mistakes.
Can Nonprofits Claim Solar Tax Credits?
Nonprofits can now claim solar tax credits, through the Direct Pay provision. Eligible organizations can save 30% - 50% on their solar sytems.
Virginia Net Metering is Under Threat
Net Metering changes are coming to Virginia. Revised net-metering rules may make solar savings less effective in Virginia.
8 Questions to Ask when Choosing a Solar Company
Ask the right questions when looking for solar. Learn red flags, how to vet solar companies, and avoid overpaying for your solar system.
What are Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs)?
Learn what Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) are, how to earn them, and how to make more money from your solar system.
Can an HOA prevent you from going solar in VA?
Virginia law protects homeowners that want to install solar panels and stops HOAs from adding unreasonable restrictions on solar.
What is net-metering, and why does it matter?
When your solar home produces more electricity than it needs, net metering lets your meter "spin backwards", and earn credit with the utility
Does solar work on cloudy days?
Do solar panels work on cloudy days? Understand how solar works, and see how clouds can impact the performance of solar panels.
How much does solar cost?
Curious about the cost of solar energy? We explain it all. Understand the factors that increase and lower the cost of solar installations
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need?
Want to know how many solar panels your home needs? We explain how solar systems are sized, and how to calculate how much solar you need.
Virtue Solar Customer Referral Program
If you're a Virtue Solar customer, Refer a friend to Virtue Solar and earn $1,000 for every signup on a system worth $15,000 or more.
Does Solar Panel Efficiency Really Matter?
When shopping for solar, everyone wants to make the best investment they can. While higher efficiency solar panels may seem like the obvious choice, their cost can often outweigh the benefits.
What’s the best solar panel?
Take a deep dive into what makes a solar panel great, and learn how to get the best solar system for your home!
Solar Myths Debunked: “0% Financing”
Often presented as an unavoidable cost of solar financing, solar dealer fees can be more expensive than traditional loan fees, and can be as high as 35% of the project’s cost.
Solar Myths Debunked: The” Free Solar” Myth
Many companies offer financing options, but there is currently no government program (or “new program” as it is often advertised) that offers free solar.