Virginia Solar Incentives and Rebates

Virginia Solar Incentives

VirginiaSAVES Green Community Loan Program

The VirginiaSAVES Green Community Loan Program offers low-cost financing for nonprofits, private commercial and industrial entities, and local governments to fund energy efficiency and renewable energy projects throughout the state. 

The funding comes from third-party sources. Applicants must submit a summary of their project that includes exactly which parts need funding, any vendors involved, and an energy assessment. The project has to constitute “qualified conservation purposes” within the Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECB) in addition to meeting other guidelines. 

Energy Project and Equipment Financing

Energy Project and Equipment Financing is a loan program funded by the Virginia Resources Authority (VRA). The VRA provides financial assistance for various energy projects, including renewable energy and energy conservation. Their two financing options for local governments include the Virginia Pooled Financing Program and the Revolving Loan Funds. Interested applicants can complete the VRA’s online contact form. 

Small Business & Non-Profit Loan Program 

The Small Business & Non-Profit Loan Program is an official mandate as of April 2014. House Bill 864 mandates that the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority provide financing for any wind and solar project pursued by a small business or nonprofit organization. 

Green Building Incentive Program 

The Green Building Incentive Program is an incentive for Arlington County that allows up to .50 FAR for office and residential buildings that acquire LEED Silver or higher while using LEED Version 4. Commercial buildings (offices) that earn bonus density have to also earn an ENERGY STAR building certification within four years of occupancy. Buildings that achieve one of eight priority credits in Arlington get an additional .025 FAR.

Projects can earn bonus density above .55 FAR if they achieve the following through the International Living Futures Institute:

• LEED Gold Certification
• Two Arlington priority credits
• Net Zero Energy Building Certification 

Affordable housing projects that receive tax credits from the Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) can earn bonus density at the Gold or Platinum level using the Earthcraft green building rating system. 

Renewable Energy Machinery and Tools Property Tax Exemption 

The Renewable Energy Machinery and Tools Property Tax Exemption is a local option for governing bodies on a county, city, or town level to impose different property taxes on renewable energy machinery and tools. Standard-use machinery and tools don’t qualify for this exemption. They have to be used for generating power from sunlight, biomass, wave motion, and other clean sources to qualify for the exemption.

Commercial Solar Property Tax Exemption

The Commercial Solar Property Tax Exemption for solar facilities is 100% if they meet the following assessments:

• Projects that equal 20 MW at most and serve a public higher education institution or a private college. 
• Projects that equal 5 MW at most 

An 80% property tax exemption is available for assessed equipment value and the facilities they’re used in for other projects between 5 MW and 150 MW. However, if the construction for a project greater than 20 MW began after January 1, 2024, then the tax exemption will not apply. 

Also of note, the exemption doesn’t include the land that the equipment or facility is located on.

Residential Property Tax Exemption for Solar 

The Residential Property Tax Exemption for Solar is a local option that allows any county, city, or town to completely or partially exempt their solar energy equipment (and recycling equipment) from property taxes. 

A solar installation and solar equipment first needs an inspection and certification from the Department of Environmental Quality or a local building department.

Cities in Virginia that offer a tax exemption for solar equipment and facilities include:

• Alexandria 
• Charlottesville
• Fredericksburg
• Hampton
• Harrisonburg
• Lexington
• Lynchburg
• Petersburg
• Roanoke
• Suffolk
• Winchester

Counties in Virginia that offer a tax exemption for solar energy equipment and facilities include:

• Albemarle
• Augusta
• Botetourt
• Chesterfield
• Dinwiddie
• Fairfax
• Frederick
• Giles
• Hanover
• Isle of Wight
• King George 
• Loudoun
• Prince William 
• Pulaski 
• Scott
• Spotsylvania
• Warren
• Wise

Net Metering

Virginia ensures net metering benefits for solar PV systems on residential, nonresidential, and agricultural properties. But there are some power limitations depending on your sector:

• Residential: 20 kW
• Nonresidential: 1,000 kW
• Agricultural: 500 kW for aggregated capacity, and the systems should not exceed a customer’s annual energy load

However, Danville has the only city-based net metering program in the state.

The net metering program in Danville applies to both residential and commercial properties. Danville Utilities requires the following power generation:

• Residential: 10 kW
• Nonresidential: 500 kW
• 1% of the utility company’s most recent highest energy load for all interconnected renewable energy generators

A customer will not receive compensation for excess generation unless a power purchase agreement is solidified with the utility company.  

The customer owns the RECs. The utility is not obligated to purchase net metering RECs.  

Interconnection Standards

Interconnection pertains to how your renewable energy system connects to the grid and transfers power to it. Virginia has two interconnection standards — one for net metered systems and the other for those that are not net metered.  

The maximum approved energy interconnection for net metered systems is:

• Residential: 20 kilowatts (kW)
• Nonresidential: 1,000 kW
• Agricultural: 500 kW (with aggregated capacity)

The maximum approved energy interconnection for systems that aren’t net metered is20 megawatts (MW). Keep in mind that systems can’t exceed a customer’s annual energy consumption load. 

Customers who own systems that meet the major national safety and equipment standards aren’t required to install any additional safety equipment on their property. However, a manual and an external disconnect switch is sometimes required under national safety regulations and is certified by a licensed electrician. 

Customers must also notify their electric distributor and energy service provider and receive approval prior to installing their solar panel system. Your system is automatically approved if an electric provider doesn’t respond to your request within 30 days (for residential) or 60 days (for nonresidential). 

You might have to pay up to $50 for an inverter inspection if your system produces more than 10 kW. Additionally, you’ll need at least $100,000 in liability insurance if your system is less than 10 kW, or $300,000 if it’s more than 10 kW.

Virginia Solar Rebates

Fairfax County – Conservation Assistance Programs (CAP)

CAP in Fairfax County is designated for nonprofits that need to meet particular eligibility requirements to qualify for the assistance. There are two CAPs in Virginia, but only one applies to solar panels.

Conservation Assistance Program for Civic/Homeowners Associations and Places of Worship (CAP)

CAP allows an energy audit for 50% of a project’s cost but only up to $750, and an energy efficiency rebate up to $5,000. Here are eligible projects that qualify for the audit and rebate:

• Solar Panels
• LED Light Bulb Replacements
• Energy Audits
• Appliance Upgrades
• Air/building Sealing & Insulation

Dominion Virginia Energy – Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Rebate

The Electric Vehicle Charging Station Rebate is meant to support the adoption of EVs throughout the state of Virginia. However, the available rebates are dependent on the number of chargers per station. Solar panels are able to connect to and power EV charging stations with generated electricity from solar energy. Solar panels typically lay atop the charging station.

Here are the relevant rebates available:

• Multifamily: $4,000 for a dual port level 2 smart charging station, or $11,000 for make-ready
• Workplace: $2,700 for a dual port level 2 smart charging station, or $11,000 for make-ready
• Fast Charging: $35,000 for a dual port fast charging station, or $73,000 for make-ready
• Transit: $53,000 for a dual port fast charging station, or $73,000 for make-ready
• Rideshare: Dominion Energy will support rideshare electrification by installing four fast charging stations in  public

[Related: Home EV Charging vs. Public EV Charging]

Contact Freedom Solar to Begin Saving With Solar Power

Contact solar power installers Freedom Solar today if you’d like to start using renewable energy while also taking advantage of solar rebates and incentives in Virginia. Call +1 (800) 504-2337 or complete our online inquiry form to begin your free consultation with one of our solar specialists. 

Looking to maintain, repair or upgrade your solar system? Our solar repair and maintenance service department can help you obtain maximum energy production and efficiency.

* Tax credits are subject to change. Consult your tax advisor regarding how incentives and rebates apply to your specific circumstances. Visit the DSIRE website for detailed solar policy information. We do not provide legal or tax advice.

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