Solar Installation Services in Shenandoah Valley, Virginia: Going Green Made Easy

The prices of solar panels are at an all-time low, and federal incentives to install solar are making solar in the Valley region a viable option for hundreds of thousands of residents. There has never been a better time to go solar, and with the white-glove service and simple financing options from Dominion Energy Solutions, you can start saving money and reducing your environmental footprint in no time.

Residents of the Valley can take advantage of various incentives to make their solar journey even more rewarding. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) offers a 30% tax credit for homeowners who install solar panels on their houses. This credit is currently available until 2033. Additionally, the Virginia Property Tax Exemption for Solar Equipment provides relief by reducing the added home value from solar equipment for property tax purposes. These incentives make going solar in The Garden of Virginia a financially attractive and environmentally responsible choice.

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.

With net energy metering programs, any excess solar energy your system generates can be fed back into the grid, earning you credits on your electricity bill. This program allows you to save money while contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future. At Dominion Energy Solutions, we can guide you through the process of maximizing the benefits of net metering, ensuring you make the most of your solar investment.

Federal tax credits for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems provide an opportunity for homeowners to reduce their federal income taxes while promoting the use of renewable energy. The federal tax credit, also known as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), allows homeowners to claim a percentage of the cost of their solar PV system as a credit on their federal income taxes.

Previously, the tax credit was 26% for systems installed in 2020-2022, and it has increased to 30% now until 2032. However, it’s important to note that the tax credit will gradually decrease to 26% for systems installed in 2033 and to 22% for systems installed in 2034. After 2034, the tax credit will expire unless renewed by Congress. This federal tax credit presents a valuable opportunity for homeowners to invest in solar energy and reduce their carbon footprint while enjoying financial benefits.

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

The introduction of SRECs (Solar Renewable Energy Credits) opens up a promising avenue for solar panel owners to generate extra income. In states like Virginia, homeowners can produce solar energy that helps larger corporations meet their sustainability targets and avoid costly fines.

This presents a unique opportunity for local businesses and homeowners in the Shenandoah Valley to benefit from selling SRECs and contribute to the growth of renewable energy. SRECs are tied to the amount of solar energy generated by a panel system and can be used to offset the costs of installing the system. Selling SRECs has the potential to significantly enhance the financial returns on solar investments for homeowners and local businesses alike.

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.

Dominion Energy Solutions’ certified, professional installers can install systems throughout Virginia, including vibrant localities such as Charlottesville, Winchester (zip codes 22601, 22602, 22603), Harrisonburg (zip codes 22801, 22802, 22807), Staunton (zip codes 24401, 24402), Waynesboro (zip code 22980), Roanoke, Bristol, Lexington (zip code 24450), Front Royal (zip code 22630), and Luray (zip code 22835). These areas are not only known for their scenic beauty and landmarks such as Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive, and the historic Luray Caverns, but they also have the opportunity to embrace clean energy solutions through our solar installations. Join us in transitioning to renewable energy while enjoying the splendor of The Jewel of Virginia.

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

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.