# Virtue Solar > Charlottesville, Virginia's top-rated solar installation company. Residential and commercial solar, battery backup, and smart panel installations across Central Virginia. ## Service Pages - [Residential Solar](/residential-solar/): Rooftop solar panel installation for Virginia homeowners. - [Commercial Solar](/commercial-solar/): Solar installation for Virginia businesses with tax credits and USDA REAP grants. - [Battery Backup](/solar-storage-and-battery-backup/): FranklinWH and Enphase whole-home battery backup systems. - [FranklinWH Battery](/franklinwh-battery/): FranklinWH aPower battery system details and comparison. - [SPAN Smart Panel](/span-smart-panel-installation/): SPAN smart electrical panel for granular energy control. - [30-Year Warranty](/30-year-solar-warranty/): Solar Insure comprehensive warranty coverage. - [Why Virtue Solar](/why-virtue-solar/): Our team, certifications, and approach. - [Free Solar Quote](/free-solar-assessment/): Get a no-obligation solar quote and custom proposal. ## Company Info - Location: 1740 Broadway St. Ste #6, Charlottesville, VA 22902 - Phone: (540) 407-8353 - Email: info@virtuesolar.com - Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm - Service Area: Central Virginia including Charlottesville, Richmond, Harrisonburg, Staunton, Waynesboro, Roanoke, and surrounding areas. ## Blog Posts - [Dominion's Virtual Power Plant Is Coming to Virginia](/2026/06/09/dominions-virtual-power-plant-coming-to-virginia/) (2026-06-09): Dominion's virtual power plant pilot is on track to start enrolling Virginia homes around late 2026. Here's how a VPP pays battery owners — and what's still unknown. - [Net Metering Protected in Virginia: SCC's Final Ruling on Dominion's NEM 2.0](/2026/05/05/net-metering-protected-in-virginia-sccs-final-ruling-on-dominions-nem-2-0/) (2026-05-05): Virginia SCC's April 30, 2026 final ruling preserves 1:1 net metering and SRECs for solar. Small admin fee added for new Dominion customers. - [What Happens to Solar Panels When You Sell Your House?](/2026/04/21/what-happens-to-solar-panels-when-you-sell-your-house/) (2026-04-21): Selling a home with solar panels? Learn how cash purchases, loans, and leases are handled at closing, and how to make sure it goes smoothly. - [Plug-in Solar (Balcony Solar) Is coming to Virginia](/2026/04/16/plug-in-solar-balcony-solar-is-coming-to-virginia/) (2026-04-16): 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. - [Is Solar Still Worth It Without the Tax Credit?](/2026/02/17/is-solar-still-worth-it-without-the-tax-credit/) (2026-02-17): The 30% solar tax credit is gone — does solar still make sense with low equipment costs, rising electricity rates, and new financing options? - [Virtue Solar Now Offers TPO Solar Financing](/2026/02/17/virtue-solar-now-offers-tpo-solar-financing/) (2026-02-17): Virtue Solar now offers TPO solar for Virginia homeowners — go solar with $0 upfront and a lower, predictable monthly payment. - [How to Lock In 25 Years of Low Energy Rates in 2026](/2025/12/04/how-to-lock-in-25-years-of-low-energy-rates-in-2026/) (2025-12-04): Learn how Virginia homeowners can lock in 25 years of predictable energy costs with solar in 2026—including $0-down options now available! - [Why Virginia’s Datacenters Make Rooftop Solar More Valuable Than Ever](/2025/11/25/why-virginias-datacenters-make-rooftop-solar-more-valuable-than-ever/) (2025-11-25): Data centers are pushing Virginia's grid to the limit and driving electricity rates up fast. Here's why rooftop solar is more valuable than ever for homeowners. - [Victory for Virginia Solar: APCo Net Metering Preserved!](/2025/09/10/victory-for-virginia-solar-apco-net-metering-preserved/) (2025-09-10): Virginia's SCC preserves solar net metering! Learn how the August 2025 ruling protects full retail credit, 12-month term, and solar savings! - [What the “Big Beautiful Bill” Means for Solar in Virginia](/2025/07/08/what-the-big-beautiful-bill-means-for-solar-in-virginia/) (2025-07-08): Learn all the impacts of the OBBB on solar, and how they affect Virginians, from residential solar to commercial solar tax credits. - [The Solar Tax Credit Is at Risk: What Virginians Need to Know](/2025/06/24/the-solar-tax-credit-is-at-risk-what-virginians-need-to-know/) (2025-06-24): Congress may axe The 30% Federal Tax Credit-- Here's what's happening, what you can do, and what you need to know. - [Watts, Kilowatts, and Kilowatt-Hours—What Do They Mean in Solar?](/2025/06/11/watts-kilowatts-and-kilowatt-hours-what-do-they-mean-in-solar/) (2025-06-11): Discover how understanding kW and kWh can affect solar system size, production, and battery options in solar quotes. - [Solar Maintenance Costs: What to Expect and How to Avoid Them](/2025/05/22/solar-maintenance-costs/) (2025-05-22): How much does it cost to maintain a solar system? See how to avoid unexpected costs, and ensure your solar system saves money every year. - [Dominion Energy’s NEM 2.0 Proposal: What It Means for Solar in Virginia](/2025/05/16/dominion-nem-2/) (2025-05-16): Net-metering is solar's most important policy. See how Dominion's NEM 2.0 changes may affect solar in Virginia, and what you can do about it. - [Virtue Solar is Now SWaM Certified](/2025/04/28/virtue-solar-is-now-swam-certified/) (2025-04-28): We’re proud to share that Virtue Solar is now officially SWaM certified, and excited to continue building quality solar in Virginia. - [FranklinWH aPower 2 Battery Review: Flexible Whole-Home Backup](/2025/04/25/franklinwh-apower-2-battery-review/) (2025-04-25): A solar installer's hands-on FranklinWH aPower 2 review: 15 kWh usable, 10 kW output, stackable whole-home backup. Real performance, specs & if it fits your home. - [Are Solar Panels the Best Home Investment in 2025?](/2025/04/15/is-grid-tied-solar-the-best-home-investment-in-2025/) (2025-04-15): 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?](/2025/03/24/whats-the-payback-period-for-residential-solar-panels-in-virginia/) (2025-03-24): 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?](/2025/03/05/is-solar-dead-in-2025/) (2025-03-05): 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](/2025/02/21/home-standby-generators-vs-battery-backup/) (2025-02-21): 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 2026](/2025/02/17/tesla-powerwall-3-alternatives/) (2025-02-17): Looking for an alternative to the Tesla Powerwall 3? Here are the best options for 2026, with full comparisons and pros & cons of each solar battery. - [Virtue Solar is Now a FranklinWH Certified Installer!](/2025/02/16/virtue-solar-is-now-a-franklinwh-certified-installer/) (2025-02-16): Virtue Solar is now a FranklinWH certified installer! We're excited to offer their products to our customers in Virginia. - [How Long Do Home Solar Batteries Last?](/2025/02/12/how-long-do-home-solar-batteries-last/) (2025-02-12): 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?](/2025/02/05/do-solar-panels-work-in-virginia-winters/) (2025-02-05): 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?](/2025/01/29/i-got-door-knocked-by-a-solar-salesman-is-it-a-scam/) (2025-01-29): 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](/2025/01/28/complete-guide-to-federal-solar-tax-credit/) (2025-01-28): 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?](/2025/01/22/roof-mount-solar-vs-ground-mount-solar/) (2025-01-22): 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?](/2025/01/16/do-solar-home-batteries-make-sense-in-virginia/) (2025-01-16): 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?](/2024/12/16/whats-the-best-residential-solar-panel-in-2024/) (2024-12-16): 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?](/2024/12/09/whats-the-best-solar-inverter-in-2024/) (2024-12-09): 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?](/2024/11/27/does-solar-add-value-to-your-home/) (2024-11-27): 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](/2024/11/20/new-treasury-rules-expand-solar-tax-credit-access-for-nonprofits/) (2024-11-20): 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](/2024/11/11/rec-alpha-pure-rx-460w-solar-panel-review/) (2024-11-11): 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?](/2024/11/04/should-you-buy-a-home-battery-or-wait-for-bidirectional-ev-charging/) (2024-11-04): Should you get a home battery like the FranklinWH aPower 2, or wait for bidirectional charging? Learn pros & cons, and where things stand currently. - [Solar Panels: Understanding Degradation and Why It Matters](/2024/10/28/solar-panels-understanding-degradation-and-why-it-matters/) (2024-10-28): Learn the impact of solar panel degredation rates, and how they affect your performance and payback of your solar system over 25-years. - [How Shade Affects Microinverters & String Inverters](/2024/10/23/how-shade-affects-microinverters-string-inverters/) (2024-10-23): 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. - [How to Claim the Domestic Content Bonus Credit on Commercial Solar Projects](/2024/10/14/how-to-claim-the-domestic-content-bonus-credit-on-commercial-solar-projects/) (2024-10-14): Commercial solar projects may be eligible for the Domestic Content Bonus Credit, raising the ITC value from 30% to 40%. Read more to see how! - [How to Claim the Residential Solar Tax Credit](/2024/10/09/how-to-claim-the-residential-solar-tax-credit/) (2024-10-09): Learn how to claim the 30% residential energy credit by filing IRS Form 5695 after installing solar. See eligibility requirements & resources. - [U.S. Finalizes Section 301 Solar Tariffs](/2024/10/05/u-s-finalizes-section-301-solar-tariffs/) (2024-10-05): New 301 solar tariffs and trade investigations are likely to increase prices in the solar industry, especially on certain solar brands. - [Should I Install a Smart Electric Panel, Like the SPAN Panel?](/2024/09/05/should-i-install-a-smart-electric-panel-like-the-span-panel/) (2024-09-05): 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?](/2024/09/05/enphase-5p-vs-tesla-powerwall-3/) (2024-09-05): 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?](/2024/08/25/is-richmond-va-good-for-solar/) (2024-08-25): 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?](/2024/08/11/do-solar-panels-help-keep-homes-cool/) (2024-08-11): 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?](/2024/07/31/what-happens-to-solar-homes-when-the-power-goes-out/) (2024-07-31): 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](/2024/07/24/protect-your-solar-investment-a-guide-to-understanding-solar-warranties/) (2024-07-24): 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](/2024/07/05/third-party-solar-leasing-is-now-allowed-in-virginia/) (2024-07-05): 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?](/2024/07/05/what-are-dominions-standby-fees/) (2024-07-05): If you’re a residential Dominion customer that is considering going solar, learn about Dominion’s standby fees, how the threshold changes on July 1, 2026, and how to avoid them. - [Are Local Solar Companies Better Than Big National Companies?](/2024/07/02/are-local-solar-companies-better-than-big-national-companies/) (2024-07-02): 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?](/2024/06/28/hail-vs-solar-panels-who-wins/) (2024-06-28): 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](/2024/06/17/how-to-clean-solar-panels/) (2024-06-17): 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. - [New Solar Tariffs in 2024 May Shake Up the Solar Industry](/2024/06/12/new-solar-tariffs-in-2024-may-rattle-the-solar-industry/) (2024-06-12): The solar industry is facing significant changes in 2024 due to new tariffs on Chinese solar panels and ongoing solar trade investigations. - [How Solar Helps Small Businesses Meet SBA 504 Green Loan Requirements](/2024/06/10/solar-and-sba-504-green-loans/) (2024-06-10): See how the SBA 504 Green Loan and solar can increase your lending options, get long-term savings, and increase your project's ROI. - [How to Reduce Service Calls and Increase Reliability in Residential Solar](/2024/06/03/how-to-reduce-service-calls-and-increase-reliability-in-residential-solar/) (2024-06-03): Reduce solar service calls by focusing on quality system design, long-lasting components, high-quality installation, and customer education. - [Can Nonprofits Claim Solar Tax Credits?](/2024/06/02/can-nonprofits-claim-solar-tax-credits/) (2024-06-02): Nonprofits can now claim solar tax credits, through the Direct Pay provision. Eligible organizations can save 30% - 50% on their solar sytems. - [5 Questions to Ask Before Going Solar](/2024/05/24/5-questions-to-ask-before-going-solar/) (2024-05-24): Thinking of going solar? Ask these five questions to help you get the best value out of your solar investment. - [Virginia Net Metering is Under Threat](/2024/05/14/virginia-net-metering-changes/) (2024-05-14): 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](/2024/05/12/how-to-choose-a-solar-company/) (2024-05-12): 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)?](/2024/05/06/what-are-solar-renewable-energy-credits-srecs/) (2024-05-06): Learn what Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) are, how to earn them, and how to make more money from your solar system. - [Virginia Receives $156 Million for Solar For All Program](/2024/04/26/virginia-receives-156-million-for-solar-for-all-program/) (2024-04-26): Virginia Receives $156 Million for Solar For All Program. Starting in 2025, about 50% of Virginians may be eligible for assistance. - [Can an HOA prevent you from going solar in VA?](/2024/04/19/can-an-hoa-prevent-you-from-going-solar-in-va/) (2024-04-19): Virginia law protects homeowners that want to install solar panels and stops HOAs from adding unreasonable restrictions on solar. - [Does Charlottesville, VA have good solar incentives?](/2024/04/01/does-charlottesville-va-have-good-solar-incentives/) (2024-04-01): See the special solar incentives, tools, and solar potential that makes Charlottesville, VA a great city for solar homes. - [What is net-metering, and why does it matter?](/2024/03/13/understanding-net-metering-how-does-it-work/) (2024-03-13): 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?](/2024/03/02/does-solar-work-on-cloudy-days/) (2024-03-02): 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 in 2026? A Virginia Homeowner's Guide](/2023/08/29/how-much-does-solar-cost/) (2023-08-29): Solar prices in 2026 for Virginia homeowners: cash at $2.50–$3.00/W, TPO at $0.11–$0.14/kWh, and payback in 10–13 years post-ITC. Full breakdown. - [How Many Solar Panels Do I Need?](/2023/08/27/how-many-solar-panels-do-i-need/) (2023-08-27): 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. - [Is Solar Right for Your Virginia Business?](/2023/06/15/is-solar-right-for-your-virginia-business/) (2023-06-15): Is solar right for your business? Find out the current commercial incentives, like the solar tax credit, REAP grant, and other solar benfits. - [Virtue Solar Customer Referral Program](/2023/05/05/virtue-solar-customer-referral-program/) (2023-05-05): 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. - [How to Compare Solar Quotes](/2023/03/19/how-to-compare-solar-quotes/) (2023-03-19): Choosing the right solar installer is tough. Learn how to compare solar quotes, and understand the value of each solar proposal. - [Does Solar Panel Efficiency Really Matter?](/2023/03/19/are-high-efficiency-solar-panels-better-than-the-rest/) (2023-03-19): Higher-efficiency solar panels seem like the obvious upgrade — but for most Virginia homes, their added cost can outweigh the production gain. Here's why. - [What’s the best solar panel?](/2023/03/19/choosing-the-right-solar-panel-for-your-home/) (2023-03-19): 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”](/2023/03/14/solar-myths-debunked-0-financing/) (2023-03-14): “0% financing” on solar often hides dealer fees up to 35% of project cost — far more than a traditional solar loan. Here's how to spot and avoid it. - [Solar Myths Debunked: The” Free Solar” Myth](/2023/03/14/solar-myths-debunked-the-free-solar-myth/) (2023-03-14): Many companies offer financing options, but there is currently no government program (or “new program” as it is often advertised) that offers free solar.