Virginia Solar Panel Savings Calculator
Calculate how much you can save with solar panels in Virginia. Based on 4.5 peak sun hours/day and 13.8¢/kWh average electricity rate.
4.5
Peak Sun Hours/Day
13.8¢
Avg Rate (¢/kWh)
11 yr
Avg Payback Period
1.8%
Solar Penetration
Calculate Your Virginia Solar Savings
Average home: 6-10 kW
Your average monthly bill
South-facing is optimal
Annual Production
kWh/year
Annual Savings
per year
25-Year Savings
total estimated
Payback Period
break-even time
Monthly Savings
$90
System Cost (after ITC)
$14,700
CO2 Offset
3.3 tons/yr
Cumulative Savings vs System Cost
Virginia Solar Panel Savings Overview
Virginia receives an average of 4.5 peak sun hours per day, providing a solid foundation for residential solar energy. With electricity rates averaging 13.8¢ per kWh — below the national average — longer payback periods are typical but savings still add up over time. The typical Virginia homeowner with a 6kW system can expect to save approximately $1,280 per year.
Solar Energy Production in Virginia
A standard 6kW residential solar panel system in Virginia produces approximately 7,884 kWh per year. This accounts for a system efficiency factor of 80%, which includes panel degradation, inverter losses, and temperature effects. At 4.5 peak sun hours per day, Virginia offers good solar production — enough to offset a significant portion of typical household electricity consumption.
Virginia Electricity Rates and Solar Context
The average residential electricity rate in Virginia is 13.8¢ per kWh according to EIA data. While this rate is below the national average, electricity costs are rising approximately 2-3% per year. Over a 25-year system lifetime, your cumulative savings will still be substantial. With utility rates increasing annually, your solar savings grow each year.
Virginia Solar Incentive Programs
Net metering. Property tax exemption. SRECs available. Federal 30% ITC. All Virginia residents are eligible for the federal 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which reduces the cost of a solar system by 30% of the total installed price. Virginia also offers full retail net metering, allowing homeowners to earn credits for excess solar energy sent back to the grid.
Net Metering in Virginia
Virginia has full retail net metering, which is a significant financial benefit for solar homeowners. Under full retail net metering, you receive credit at the full retail electricity rate for every kilowatt-hour of excess solar energy you export to the grid. This is the most favorable policy for solar homeowners.
Best Cities for Solar in Virginia
The best cities for solar panels in Virginia include Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Richmond, Newport News. Solar production can vary by location within the state due to differences in cloud cover, local shading, and microclimates. Southern-facing roofs with minimal shading produce the most energy. Homeowners in Virginia Beach and Norfolk can typically expect production close to the state average of 4.5 peak sun hours per day.
How Virginia Compares to Neighboring States
Compared to neighboring states, Virginia (13.8¢/kWh, 4.5 sun hours) has comparable sun exposure and has similar electricity rates. See how solar savings compare in Maryland, District of Columbia, and West Virginia.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do solar panels cost in Virginia?
The average cost of a 6kW solar panel system in Virginia is approximately $21,000 before incentives. After the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), the net cost drops to about $14,700. Net metering. Property tax exemption. SRECs available. Federal 30% ITC.
How much can I save with solar panels in Virginia?
The average Virginia homeowner saves approximately $1,280 per year with a 6kW solar system. Over 25 years, total savings can exceed $37,029, factoring in a 2.5% annual increase in electricity rates.
Does Virginia have net metering?
Yes, Virginia offers full retail net metering, which allows you to sell excess solar energy back to the grid. This significantly improves the financial returns of going solar.
What is the solar payback period in Virginia?
The average payback period for solar panels in Virginia is approximately 11 years. After that, your solar panels generate essentially free electricity for the remaining 15-20 years of their warranty life.