I know one thing about solar in Virginia from driving around the state, especially in the area we focus on, in southwest and central Virginia.
From Blacksburg and Roanoke to Lynchburg and Charlottesville to Staunton and Harrisonburg, more and more homeowners in Virginia are going solar these days.
Why is Solar in Virginia Growing Now?
Of course, solar has always been popular in the Old Dominion, as it has around the country. But there are good reasons why Virginia homeowners have decided to get solar now:
- The falling cost of solar panels has made installing solar more affordable
- Last year, Congress extended the 30% federal tax credit, offering a bit more time to take advantage of this big incentive
- The main state incentive for solar in Virginia, net metering — where solar homeowners get paid to sell their excess power back to the grid — continues to be strong, even as other states reduce net metering programs
- Utility electric rates are rising, making solar a better deal in comparison
Another reason that homeowners seem to be getting solar now is that they know that it might not get much cheaper in the future. Consumer Reports has written that there may no longer be any benefit from waiting to get solar, and there could even be a risk:
Those who want to wait on the sidelines for further price reductions could be disappointed: The cost of solar panels has started to plateau and, while installation labor and other soft costs continue to fall, the phasing out of state tax incentives and utility rebates and grants has largely offset those savings.
In my experience, word is getting around Virginia that now is the best time in years to get solar for your home.
[Download Free Guide: “Top 10 Questions and Answers on Home Solar in Virginia”]
Virginians Have Questions about Solar
But I’ve also seen that many homeowners are confused by how to get started with solar.
They have lots of questions: How does it work? What kind of maintenance does it need? How can I find a solar installer I can trust? And of course, how much does it cost and what incentives are available in Virginia?
When it comes to solar, Virginia is different from other states, even our neighbors like North Carolina and Maryland. That’s true especially when it comes to incentives, financing and policies about selling power back to the grid.
[Download Free Guide: “Top 10 Questions and Answers on Home Solar in Virginia”]
Fortunately, we’re a homegrown Virginia company that specializes in helping homeowners in the Old Dominion make the best decisions on solar for themselves.
That means we’ve been answering these kinds of questions for years. And lately, it seems like we’re answering them more often. So, to help homeowners empower themselves to make the best decision about solar for their home, we decided to collect the top questions we get about home solar and put them all together — with the answers of course! — in one handy guide.
And now I’m happy to announce that the guide is ready. It’s called “Top 10 Questions and Answers about Home Solar in Virginia” and we’re not just giving it out to our potential customers.
As a service to the citizens of the Old Dominion, and to help our state take advantage of the clean energy revolution, we’re making the guide available online, free to anyone who wants it.
We Have Answers about Solar for Virginians
In 29 pages filled with beautiful photos to help you see what different solar installations look like, the guide covers the questions I mentioned above along with other key points:
- The Top Reasons to Go Solar — Yes, it saves money. But there are good reasons to go solar that you may not have considered yet.
- How to Know if Solar is Right for Your Home — An experienced installer can assess whether your place is a good candidate for solar but you can do a few quick checks first to get an idea for yourself
- Options to Go Solar — Solar is more than just the traditional panels that generate electricity, and in some cases an option like solar hot water might be best for you
- Should You Go Off-Grid? And Do You Need Batteries? — Most homes already on the grid should stay on the grid, but in some cases, investing in battery backup might be worthwhile
The guide also covers the crucial question for any homeowner considering solar — How to choose the best solar installer for you. (Hint: this choice could make the difference between a solar system that gives you years of reliable power and money savings on the one hand or an investment that doesn’t live up to its potential on the other.)
Get our free guide now and start empowering yourself with knowledge about solar in Virginia.
— Andrew Brenner, Main Street Solar
