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Virginia Solar Panel Calculator

Local rates, sun hours & savings — specific to Virginia

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4.37

Peak Sun Hrs/Day

$0.137

Avg Rate ($/kWh)

$147

Avg Monthly Bill

15.5 yrs

Est. Payback

Virginia's solar market accelerated after the 2020 Clean Economy Act strengthened net metering rights and set aggressive renewable energy targets. With 4.37 peak sun hours per day and Dominion Energy serving most of the state, Virginia homeowners are seeing growing adoption and increasingly competitive installer pricing. This calculator uses Virginia's $0.14/kWh average rate and sun data to estimate your specific savings and payback period.

4.37 hrs

Sun Hours/Day

$0.137

Rate ($/kWh)

$2.75

Avg Cost/Watt

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Solar Data for Virginia

Peak Sun Hours
4.37 hrs/day (NREL annual avg)
Avg Electricity Rate
$0.1371/kWh (EIA 2024)
Avg Monthly Bill
$147/month
Avg Install Cost
$2.75/W (LBNL Tracking the Sun)
Est. Payback (avg bill)
15.5 years (before 30% ITC)
Federal ITC
30% through 2032

Solar Panels in Virginia — Frequently Asked Questions

How many solar panels does the average home need?▾
Most US homes need between 15 and 30 panels (6–12 kW system). The exact number depends on your electricity usage, your state's sun hours, roof orientation, and the wattage of the panels you choose. Enter your bill or usage above to get a personalized estimate.
How long does solar installation take?▾
The actual roof installation takes 1–3 days. However, the full timeline from signing a contract to system activation is typically 2–4 months, accounting for permit applications, utility interconnection approval, and inspection scheduling. Some fast-moving markets can complete the process in 6–8 weeks.
Should I buy or lease solar panels?▾
Buying outright (or with a solar loan) delivers the best long-term value because you own the system and claim the 30% ITC yourself. Solar leases and PPAs require no upfront cost but typically provide smaller monthly savings, no tax credit, and can complicate home sales. If you can afford to buy (including via a solar loan), ownership almost always wins financially.
How much does a solar system cost installed?▾
Installed solar costs range from $2.50 to $3.50 per watt depending on your state, system size, panel brand, and installer. A 10 kW system runs $25,000–$35,000 before incentives. After the 30% federal ITC, that's $17,500–$24,500. Many states offer additional rebates that can reduce costs further. Get 3 quotes to find competitive local pricing.
How does shading affect solar panel performance?▾
Even partial shading can significantly reduce output. Traditional string inverters cause the whole string to underperform if one panel is shaded. Microinverters and DC optimizers mitigate this by allowing each panel to operate independently. If your roof has trees or chimneys that cause partial shading, request microinverters in your quotes.

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How much solar saves on a $200 monthly electricity bill in Virginia

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How much solar saves on a $100 monthly electricity bill in Virginia

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How many panels does a 1,500 sq ft home need?

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12 kW Solar System

Full cost and savings breakdown for a 12 kW installation

Disclaimer: Data sources: NREL PVWatts (sun hours), EIA 2024 Residential Rate Survey (electricity rates), Lawrence Berkeley National Lab Tracking the Sun (install costs). Estimates are for planning only. Actual savings depend on your specific roof, shading, utility policies, and available incentives. Not financial or tax advice.