Solar Panel Installation in Richmond, VA
If you’re thinking about going solar in the Richmond region, you don’t have to rely on generic market estimates. To give you a clear picture of local trends, Dominion Energy Solutions analyzed residential solar permits from Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, and Hanover counties between July 2025 and June 2026. Read on to see what your neighbors are actually installing, what sizes are standard, and what they cost.
What to Know Before Switching to Solar
If you're planning a residential solar installation in the Richmond region, focusing on four hyper-local factors will ensure you get the best return on investment:
What's the Average Home Solar System Size in Richmond, VA?
According to a 2026 Dominion Energy Solutions analysis of 1,243 residential solar permits, new residential solar systems permitted in the Richmond region from July 2025 through June 2026 averaged approximately 8.2 kW. Your own system may be larger or smaller depending primarily on annual electricity consumption, usable roof area, orientation, shading, and whether you plan to add loads such as an EV or heat pump.
Across Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, and Hanover, we identified 1,243 qualifying new residential solar installations from July 2025 through June 2026. Systems with usable capacity data averaged approximately 9.3 kW regionally, with average system sizes generally increasing outside the urban core.
Please click HERE for our full research methodology.
Average System Size in Richmond Region
| Jurisdiction | Number of PV Permits July 2025 – June 2026 | Local System-Size Benchmark |
| City of Richmond | 130 | ~8.2 kW |
| Henrico County | 539 | ~8.76 kW |
| Chesterfield County | 415 | ~10.05 kW |
| Hanover County | 159 | ~11.0 kW |
Figures come from Dominion Energy Solutions’ analysis of public residential solar permit records from Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, and Hanover for July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. Last update: August 2026. See our complete Richmond-area solar permit data and methodology for sources, inclusion and exclusion rules, analytical coverage, and system-size calculations.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Richmond, Virginia?
According to a 2026 Dominion Energy Solutions analysis of 1,243 residential solar permits, new residential solar systems permitted in the Richmond region from July 2025 through June 2026 suggests a typical residential solar installation costs approximately $3.00 per watt. The benchmark is derived from qualifying Henrico County permits that report both project value and system capacity, providing a local, permit-based measure rather than a generic market estimate.
Applied to Richmond’s 8.2 kW average system-size benchmark, approximately $3.00 per watt suggests a permit-derived project value of about $24,600 before battery storage, roof work, financing costs, or other project-specific factors.* This is a local market benchmark, not a Dominion Energy Solutions quote. See our Richmond-area solar permit data and methodology for the underlying cost analysis
Average System Costs in Richmond Region
| Jurisdiction | Local System-Size Benchmark | Local System-Size Benchmark |
| City of Richmond | ~8.2 kW | $24,600 |
| Henrico County | ~8.76 kW | $24,280 |
| Chesterfield County | ~10.05 kW | $30,150 |
| Hanover County | ~11.0 kW | $33,000 |
Costs are derived from actual, publicly available permits. These are not DES quotes. Actual project costs vary by equipment, roof and electrical conditions, battery storage, financing, and installation scope. See methodology for further detail.
How Much Can Solar Panels Save You?
Solar savings are home-specific, so a credible Richmond estimate should start with the homeowner’s last 12 months of electricity use and a site-specific production model. A proposal should clearly separate the major sources of value.
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Bill Reduction
Solar generation used by your home can reduce the amount of electricity you purchase from the grid. The dollar value depends on your usage profile, system production, and applicable Dominion Energy Virginia rate schedule.
RECs & SRECs
Virginia net-metering customers may sell eligible RECs on the open market or, under specific Dominion Energy Virginia PPA/REC arrangements, request that Dominion purchase qualifying RECs.
Net Metering
When an approved system sends excess electricity to the grid, that excess is recorded as a billing credit that can offset future electricity delivered to the home, subject to the applicable tariff and program rules.
Long Term Savings
Solar panels can operate for 25 years or more, but lifetime savings are projections, not guarantees. A useful proposal should disclose its assumptions for production degradation and electricity-rate changes over time.
Bill Reduction
Solar generation used by your home can reduce the amount of electricity you purchase from the grid. The dollar value depends on your usage profile, system production, and applicable Dominion Energy Virginia rate schedule.
RECs & SRECs
Virginia net-metering customers may sell eligible RECs on the open market or, under specific Dominion Energy Virginia PPA/REC arrangements, request that Dominion purchase qualifying RECs.
Net Metering
When an approved system sends excess electricity to the grid, that excess is recorded as a billing credit that can offset future electricity delivered to the home, subject to the applicable tariff and program rules.
Long Term Savings
Solar panels can operate for 25 years or more, but lifetime savings are projections, not guarantees. A useful proposal should disclose its assumptions for production degradation and electricity-rate changes over time.
How Does Dominion Energy Virginia Net Metering Work for Richmond Solar?
Dominion Energy Virginia net metering allows an approved residential renewable-energy system to offset electricity used at the home. When your solar array produces more electricity than the home is using, excess energy sent to the grid is recorded as a credit and can be applied against future electricity delivered to the home. Virginia state law states that a net-metered system must be sized so it does not reasonably produce more than 150% of the home’s expected annual electricity consumption. Net metering requires an interconnection application and utility approval in addition to local building/electrical permits.
How Does Solar Installation Work in Richmond, VA?
1
Free Consultation
Our non-commissioned Energy Advisors analyze your past 12 months of utility bills to build an optimized consumption model and size your potential system.
2
Site Engineering & Structural Verification
Our Energy Advisors – all employees of Dominion Energy – assess your roof’s pitch, orientation, and shading to build a custom solar system design for your home.
3
Permitting & Utility Approvals
We prepare and submit the applicable local building and electrical permit documentation along with Dominion Energy Virginia net-metering and interconnection materials. Requirements vary among the City of Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, and Hanover, so the project schedule depends in part on the local authority having jurisdiction and utility review.
4
System Installation & Commissioning
Our pre-screened, fully certified installation crews mount the racking system, secure the solar modules, integrate battery backup or EV charging stations (if applicable), and coordinate the final municipal inspection to activate your system.
What Solar Financing Options Are Available in Richmond, VA?
Purchase
Pay for the system upfront and own the equipment. You cannot claim the 30% federal tax credit as of December 31, 2025, because the IRS officially ended the Section 25D residential credit.
Loan
Finance your system ownership over time. Compare the cash price with the financed total, including interest, dealer fees or origination costs, and any prepayment terms, not just the advertised monthly payment.
Lease
Enjoy $0 down and predictable monthly payments over a 25-year lease. You pocket the energy savings while the lessor covers maintenance. Plus, you have the option to buy after five years.
How Do I Find the Best Solar Installer in Richmond, VA?
When comparing Richmond solar installers, ask for evidence that lets you compare proposals on the same basis:
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NABCEP
Ask who will design and install the system, what NABCEP credentials are held by the relevant professionals, and whether all required Virginia and local licenses are current.
Warranties
Compare manufacturer warranties for modules and inverters as well as the installer’s workmanship and roof-penetration coverage.
Incentives
Ask the installer to identify every incentive or credit included in the proposal and provide the source and eligibility assumptions. The proposal should also reflect current net-metering/interconnection rules.
Longevity
Most solar panels last 25+ years. Therefore, you’ll want to ensure the installer will be around long after your installation, should you need any assistance or maintenance on your system.
NABCEP
Ask who will design and install the system, what NABCEP credentials are held by the relevant professionals, and whether all required Virginia and local licenses are current.
Warranties
Compare manufacturer warranties for modules and inverters as well as the installer’s workmanship and roof-penetration coverage.
Incentives
Ask the installer to identify every incentive or credit included in the proposal and provide the source and eligibility assumptions. The proposal should also reflect current net-metering/interconnection rules.
Longevity
Most solar panels last 25+ years. Therefore, you’ll want to ensure the installer will be around long after your installation, should you need any assistance or maintenance on your system.
Why Should I Choose Solar Through Dominion Energy Solutions?
1
A Name You Know and Trust
Dominion Energy Solutions is the only solar company fully owned and operated by Dominion Energy. We combine our parent company’s financial stability and expertise with a customer-first mindset.
2
Non-Commissioned Energy Advisors
Our solar consultants do not work on commission. We evaluate your property based entirely on financial feasibility and structural compatibility – not a sales quota.
3
Full-Service Project Management
We manage every phase of your transition, from design and permitting to matching you with pre-screened, competitive local installation crews.
4
Local Data & Transparent Economics
We size systems from your actual electricity use and site conditions, and we publish Richmond-area permit research so homeowners can compare a proposed system with systems actually being permitted locally. Any savings or return estimate should show the assumptions behind it rather than relying on a generic market average.
Richmond Solar FAQs
quick answers from local permit data
What is the average solar system size in the City of Richmond?
According to a 2026 Dominion Energy Solutions analysis of 1,243 residential solar permits, the average Richmond region solar installation is approximately 8.2 kW.
Are solar systems larger in Richmond’s surrounding counties?
In our permit analysis, yes. Average system-size benchmarks were approximately 8.8 kW in Henrico, 10.1 kW in Chesterfield, and 11.0 kW in Hanover, compared with approximately 8.2 kW in the City of Richmond. Across systems with usable capacity data in all four jurisdictions, the regional average was approximately 9.3 kW. Your system should still be sized to your home’s electricity use and site conditions.
Can Richmond homeowners still claim the 30% federal residential solar tax credit?
No, Richmond homeowners who buy a solar system with cash or a loan in 2026 can no longer claim the 30% direct federal residential solar tax credit. However, there are still ways you can benefit from federal and local solar savings in 2026.
While the residential credit ended, the commercial solar tax credit (Section 48E) remains active. If you lease your solar panels or sign a PPA, the solar installation company retains ownership of the equipment, claims the 30% commercial credit, and typically passes those savings down to you via lower monthly electricity rates.
Does Dominion Energy Virginia offer net metering for home solar?
Yes, for eligible approved systems. Solar generation can offset electricity used by the home, and excess electricity sent to the grid is recorded as a credit under the applicable net-metering rules.
