Solar Installation in the Shenandoah Valley
Harrisonburg, Staunton, Waynesboro & beyond. Three utilities, three different solar stories — and we know them all.
The Valley
We've worked in the Shenandoah Valley since the beginning
Virtue Solar is run by a JMU graduate (class of 2010 — time flies), and the Valley has been part of our service area from day one. We've completed numerous installations across Harrisonburg, Staunton, Waynesboro, and the surrounding area, and we know the local utilities and permitting processes inside out.
What makes the Valley unique is that three different utilities serve a relatively compact area — and each one has different rates, different net metering rules, and different application processes. Your solar experience depends heavily on which utility serves your address, which is why it's important to work with an installer who understands these differences.
Our in-house crew handles all Valley installations. We're about an hour from Harrisonburg and Staunton, and our team works in this area regularly.
Areas we serve in the Valley
- Harrisonburg (HEC)
- Staunton
- Waynesboro
- Lexington
- Augusta County
- Rockingham County
- Rockbridge County
$0 Down Solar
Go solar with no upfront cost
The federal residential solar tax credit ended December 31, 2025, but third-party ownership (TPO) makes solar accessible with no money down. You pay a flat monthly rate — typically less than your current electric bill — locked in for 25 years.
TPO works across all Valley utilities, and is especially compelling for SVEC customers where per-kWh rates are steep. Learn more about our TPO options. Virginia homeowners also earn SRECs worth ~$27 each, adding $324–$378/year on a typical system.
Harrisonburg Only
Harrisonburg Electric Commission (HEC)
HEC is a municipal utility that serves exclusively the City of Harrisonburg — about 20,000 customers. If you're outside city limits in surrounding Rockingham County, you're on SVEC or Dominion, not HEC.
Easy permitting & easy net metering
HEC is one of the easiest utilities we work with. They work directly with the Harrisonburg permit department, so the net metering approval and building permit run in tandem — saving time compared to utilities where these are separate processes. There's one person who spearheads the net metering department, and approvals move fast once the permit application is in.
One thing to note: HEC doesn't review the net metering application until the building permit has been applied for, so we coordinate both simultaneously to keep things moving.
200% sizing allowance
HEC stands out with the most generous sizing policy in our service area: systems can be sized up to 200% of the home's previous 12 months of usage, with a 20 kW AC system size limit. Generation up to 100% is credited at the full retail rate, and the 100–200% band is credited at avoided wholesale cost. This is great for homeowners planning to electrify their home or add an EV.
Lower rates, but still worthwhile
HEC's rates are the lowest in our service area at approximately 12.1¢/kWh, which means the payback period for solar is longer than in higher-rate territories. However, the 200% sizing allowance, simple process, and low fixed charges create a unique set of advantages that make solar work well for many Harrisonburg homeowners. HEC also requires a copy of your homeowner's insurance liability page with the application.
Cooperative Utility
Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative (SVEC)
SVEC serves much of the Shenandoah Valley outside of Harrisonburg city limits, including Augusta and Rockingham counties, as well as parts of Page, Shenandoah, and other Valley counties. If you're in Staunton or the areas surrounding Harrisonburg, there's a good chance you're on SVEC.
Fast net metering connections
SVEC is fantastic to work with and has very fast turnaround times for net metering connections. We've had consistently smooth experiences with their process over the years. They do charge a $50 net metering fee, but the speed and simplicity of the process more than make up for it.
Non-expiring credits: the most generous policy in Virginia
SVEC's credits never expire — making them the most generous net metering policy among all six utilities we work with. This means you can bank summer overproduction and use it in winter months indefinitely, without worrying about losing credits at an annual reset.
High per-kWh rates make TPO excellent
SVEC's residential rates are on the steeper side at approximately 14¢/kWh, with a high fixed charge of about $30/month. While the fixed charge means solar can never zero out your bill entirely, the strong per-kWh rate makes every kWh your panels produce quite valuable. This makes SVEC territory an excellent market for TPO — homeowners who don't want to invest thousands upfront can still save meaningfully with a $0-down option. Learn about our TPO options.
Strict 100% sizing cap
Like other Virginia cooperatives, SVEC limits system sizing to 100% of the previous year's usage with a 20 kW AC cap. They are very strict about this limit. No standby charges apply.
Also in the Valley
Dominion Energy in Waynesboro
Waynesboro is served by Dominion Energy, not SVEC — though once you get outside the city, you may be in SVEC or APCo territory. Dominion's residential rate is approximately 15¢/kWh with a $7.58 fixed monthly charge. They offer strong 1:1 net metering with the 150% sizing rule (your system can produce up to 150% of expected usage), and credits reset on a 12-month anniversary cycle.
The key thing to watch with Dominion is standby charges for systems over 15 kW AC (increasing to 20 kW starting July 2026). We design every Dominion system to avoid these fees. For full details on Dominion's policies, including the important interconnection anniversary date, see our Charlottesville & Central Virginia service area page.
Get a free solar quote for your Valley home
We'll identify your utility, design a system to match your usage, and show you exactly what solar looks like for your home.
- Industry leading shade analysis
- Full system cost breakdown
- Utility-specific savings estimate
- Estimated payback period
- 3D model of solar on your home
- TPO and cash purchase options
Solar in the Shenandoah Valley: Frequently Asked Questions
Which utility serves my address in the Valley?
It depends on your exact location. Harrisonburg city is served by HEC. Waynesboro is Dominion Energy. Staunton and most of the surrounding county areas are SVEC. The boundaries aren't always obvious — we'll confirm your utility during the assessment process. Just share a recent electric bill and we'll take it from there.
Is solar worth it in Harrisonburg with HEC's lower rates?
HEC's rates (~12¢/kWh) are lower than other Valley utilities, which means the payback period is longer. However, HEC's 200% sizing allowance and simple process make solar work well for many homeowners — especially those planning to add an EV or heat pump. For cash purchases, the economics still pencil out over the 25+ year life of the system.
What makes SVEC territory good for TPO?
SVEC's combination of steep per-kWh rates (~14¢) and non-expiring credits makes it excellent for TPO. You lock in a lower rate than what you're paying SVEC, and your credits never expire, so summer overproduction carries over to winter. The high fixed charge ($30/month) means you'll always have some bill, but the per-kWh savings are substantial. Learn about our TPO options.
How long does solar permitting take in the Valley?
Timelines vary by locality. Harrisonburg is particularly efficient because HEC coordinates directly with the city permit office. SVEC and Dominion interconnection approvals vary, but we typically see the full process from contract to activation taking 2–3 months. We handle all permitting and paperwork for you.
Can I build a new home with solar in the Valley?
Yes, though the process varies by utility. HEC and Dominion are relatively flexible for new construction. SVEC and other cooperatives can be stricter since they require past usage history for system sizing. For new builds, we work with the homeowner to document anticipated loads so we can design an appropriately sized system.
Does Virtue Solar really have roots in the Valley?
Absolutely. Our founder Matt is a JMU graduate, and the Valley has been part of our service area from the very beginning. We've completed numerous installations across Harrisonburg, Staunton, Waynesboro, and the surrounding counties. When you work with us, you're working with a team that knows the Valley.
Rate information is based on publicly filed tariff schedules with the Virginia State Corporation Commission and is believed accurate as of March 2026. Rates are subject to change through regulatory proceedings. Virtue Solar is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any utility company. For current rate information, contact your utility provider directly.
What our customers say
“I looked at several solar providers but chose Virtue because they were low pressure, responsive, honest and local.”
“I recommend Virtue, without reservation, as the best of all the local solar companies I've dealt with, by far.”
“Peter and Matt were very helpful in getting my system designed for my needs. I can't stress enough how happy I am that a local company did such a superb job.”
