#1 Solar Company in Norfolk VA

The popularity of solar energy is clearly growing in the Norfolk area, both for business and residential customers. 

Since 2021, the Commonwealth of Virginia has planned to install more than 2500 MW of solar energy systems, which could power up nearly 300,000 properties. And this number is expected to rise even further according to the SEIA (Solar Energy Industries Association).

Whether you are spending your weekends visiting the impressive Nauticus museum, admiring the incredible Chrysler Museum of Art with your friends or attending one of the several yearly events in Town Point Park, we’re so glad to have you here. At BrightSuite, our aim is to ensure Norfolk residents and businesses to decrease their electricity expenditures through the use of greener energy.

Why Switch To Residential Solar with Dominion Energy Solutions?

Many homeowners in the Hampton Roads area and surrounding counties wonder if switching to solar energy is worth the cost. Thankfully the establishment of helpful legislation in Virginia has only helped the expansion of renewable and more sustainable energy such as solar. 

• Virginia Has Great Solar Incentives

  Established in 2020, the VCEA (Virginia Clean Economy Act) is an important piece of legislation offering Virginia residents a wide range of opportunities and incentives to help make the switch to renewable energy for their homes.  The Virginia Clean Economy Act helps both businesses and homeowners install solar energy systems at a lower cost as well as saving money on energy production.  These are some of the most important money-saving programs that Norfolk residents can find beneficial when installing a solar energy system:  Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) — Electric corporations can buy these from solar panel owners and can help these organizations avoid expensive fines while meeting their sustainability goals. For solar owners, this means these credits can help them pay off their solar installation much quicker and easier.  Net Metering — This is another excellent incentive available to home solar energy installations in Norfolk, Virginia. Net metering from Dominion Energy enables homeowners to sell back excess electricity produced by the solar panels’ system back to the grid, giving you a useful credit on your next energy bill.  Solar Investment Tax Credit — With these credits, the Government is aiming to help property owners who are installing solar panels on their homes through tax credits. The current credit is set at a healthy 26%, available through the end of 2022. It will then be reduced to 22% the following year and could be completely taken away in 2024, so the right time is now to install solar energy in Norfolk. Solar Rights and Easements — This can help you remove any shade cover or interference that could block your solar panel from receiving the maximum amount of sunlight, which can reduce efficiency. It can also help homeowners avoid HOA (homeowner associations) blocking a solar installation on their properties.

• How Can I Find the Best Solar Company in Norfolk?

  Finding the best solar company isn’t easy. But don’t worry! Here at Dominion Energy Solutions, we strive to help you make the best-informed decisions and assist you every step of the way. With our wealth of knowledge and experience, the process can be easier and smoother than envisioned.  If you still prefer doing all the research yourself, here is some advice that will help you shopping around: Make sure that the chosen installer is fully certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners’ Solar PV Installation Professional Certification (a very long name, but pretty self-explanatory!). This means that your installer has the adequate and needed qualifications and carried out the necessary training on how to design, install and maintain solar projects.  Make sure that the quotes received from different solar companies include good warranties for both the labor and the materials (panels, batteries, racking, inverters, etc). This could avoid future problems in the years to come. Make sure you read reviews of the companies you are shortlisting. The odd negative review is normal on the internet but make sure that the majority of reviews are positive and show the company is reputable.  Ultimately, make sure you choose a solar company that has backed experience and will be with you should problems arise in the future.

• Net Metering in Norfolk

  Net Metering allows homeowners who installed a solar energy system to sell any excess electricity they may have back to the utility company grid. This payment is in the form of credits toward other energy bills. In the Norfolk area, homeowners can take advantage of net metering. Previously, the legislation had a participation cap of 1% of the electricity on the grid, but thankfully the VCEA was able to increase it to 6%.  As it stands, only 1% of the electricity produced in the state of Virginia comes from solar energy but we are sure that this is only bound to change, and rapidly, due to the current boom of solar energy installations. This percentage is only bound to increase in the future.

• Federal Tax Credit

  There is a very compelling national tax credit available for Norfolk residents looking to switch to solar energy, which is used on your solar installation.  The US Federal Government is currently still offering a 26% tax credit, which allows the cost of the solar panel system including batteries to be deducted from your federal taxes.  A substantial offering and a generous incentive, this tax credit is available to Norfolk residents but it will not be around for much longer. Keep in mind that this 26% tax credit will only last until the end of 2022. It will reduce to 22% in 2023 and be completely scrapped by 2024. It is clear to see that there is not a better time than now to install your solar panel system.

• Local Solar Energy Incentives

  The VA state including Norfolk has already done a lot of work to promote and encourage sustainable and greener energy such as solar energy. Our solar experts at Dominion Energy Solutions can assist you in taking advantage of the various appealing solar energy incentives available to maximize your ROI.  Some of these incentives available are: Solar Rights Federal Solar Tax Credit Solar Renewable Energy Credits Net Metering Solar Easement

• Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs)

  The introduction of SRECs (Solar Renewable Energy Credits) means that you may be able to make additional money off your solar system! In the state of Virginia (including Norfolk), solar energy customers can produce electricity for bigger corporations, helping them achieve their sustainability goals. This can prevent these companies from paying expensive fines, whilst supporting solar panel owners. The SRECs are dependent on how much solar energy can be generated by your panel system and can be used to help you pay off your system. The VCEA has set quite specific targets for utility companies to purchase these credits for solar energy, but all homeowners and local Norfolk businesses can take advantage of selling SRECs.

• Advocating for Larger Solar Panel Systems

  With the introduction of the Virginia Clean Economy Act, bigger solar systems can now be installed for both residential and business purposes. As an example, the limit for residential solar systems has now increased to 25 kW (previously it was set at 20 kW), while for commercial systems it is now at 3 MW (instead of 1 MW).  This means that property owners can now build more suitable solar energy systems catering to their energy needs. The VCEA has also removed fees linked to installing larger panel systems, which has only been beneficial to solar customers. The limit has now reached 15 kW.

• Solar Rights in Norfolk

  Back in 2008, a new piece of legislation was created protecting solar energy rights across the Commonwealth (and obviously including Norfolk), meaning that neighborhood and community associations cannot stop homeowners from installing solar panels on their properties. Keep in mind that these associations are still able to restrict the size and position of some solar energy panels and systems.

• Norfolk Solar Easement Law

  Virginia’s law is similar to other solar easement laws established in other US states, which means that homeowners in and around Norfolk and across the whole state can create solar easement agreements that can protect a solar system’s access to sunshine.  This legislation was passed back in 1978 and states that these easements must be in writing and must include:  Degrees of vertical and horizontal angles at which these easements are extending over the property in question Terms and conditions of the easement Provisions for compensations of the property owner

• How Does The 2020 Virginia Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) Affect Solar Energy in Norfolk?

  Since Virginia’s Clean Economy Act has been passed in 2020 the future of solar and renewable energies has become even better and brighter in Norfolk and all across the state of Virginia.  By the year 2050, Virginia utility companies will have to fully switch to renewable energy including 16 GW of onshore wind and solar energy, 3 GW of energy storage and permanently close down all coal power plants by 2024.  The Old Dominion is clearly taking some big steps in ensuring that more people will switch to greener energy like solar and depend less on utility companies. This can only lead to more incentives being created to allow solar energy to expand and grow in Norfolk and across Virginia. In this Solar Builder Magazine article, they explain the bill in detail. Below you can find a quick summary in regards to it:  Focusing on investment in the most convenient and cleaner energy resource which aids waste reduction and saves money for Norfolk residents.  Establishing stricter and more sustainable energy targets by managing cost-effective renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and energy storage used by the local grid.  Decreasing the usage of coal, oil, and natural gas by 2045. Promoting the advantages of rooftop solar energy and allowing Norfolk residents to take advantage of Virginia’s green energy opportunities by increasing the cap on solar power purchase agreements from 50 megawatts (MW) to 1,000 MW. It is clear to see that there is no better time than now to finally switch to a greener energy like solar while helping the environment and increasing your property price at the same time.

About Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk is a beautiful waterfront city located in the southeastern Hampton Roads region near one of the nation’s fastest-growing ports. Norfolk is also home to the largest naval base in the world, Naval Station Norfolk. Located in the cultural heart of the Hampton Roads region, Norfolk is home to several museums, such as the Chrysler Museum of Art, Nauticus (the National Maritime Center), and the Hermitage Foundation Museum. It is also home to several beautiful parks such as Town Point Park, which annually hosts a wide variety of events on its grounds, the Norfolk Botanical Garden, and the Virginia Zoological Park.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, boating, and surfing in the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. Norfolk is home to the Norfolk Tides AAA Baseball who play at the 12,000-seat Harbor Park Stadium.

Four Reasons to Choose Dominion Energy Solutions

Full Service

From vetting installers to approving system designs to financing your system, we’ll be with you every step of the way.

Save More

Our pre-screened solar panel installers compete for your business ensuring you get the right system for the best price.

Financing

No hidden fees. No bait and switch. We’ve cleaned up clean energy financing for Virginia homeowners and businesses.

Go Green

Take advantage of Virginia solar incentives and earn credits on your electric bill. Help the environment and increase your home.