Are solar panels worth it in Virginia? The price of solar panels has fallen by more than 80% in the last ten years. First of all, you should consider your average monthly energy expenditure. The biggest advantage of solar panels is that they offset your electricity bills, so the more energy you use, the more you can save. Generally speaking, most households that use more than 500 kWh per month are considered good candidates for solar panels.
The average Virginian consumes about 1,095 kWh per month, which means that solar panels, in general, are quite valuable. Energy consumption in Virginia is also above the national average, meaning that solar conversion is a better option in Virginia than in many other states, at least from an energy consumption perspective. You can check your monthly energy usage on your previous electricity bills. Virginia is a state that demonstrates that solar energy can be a good source of income even without government assistance.
Rates of return are strong and savings are measured in tens of thousands of dollars. As a general rule, homeowners in Loudoun, Fairfax and Prince William counties can expect a solar installation to pay for itself within six to 10 years. Then, when the solar system produces less electricity than you use (common in the winter months), your utility company will use these credits to offset your current electricity bill. Specifically, TVA's green energy providers and Dominion Solar's purchasing program made solar energy more attractive by offering premium payments for solar generation.
If you prefer to own your solar panels, for only a small (or even no) outlay, then a solar loan makes sense. However, solar energy is not suitable for every home, so you should determine your solar viability before diving into installing panels on your property. Even after you consider all the metrics to determine if your home is suitable for solar energy, you will have quite a few things to think about before committing to solar energy. We offer an easy and transparent purchasing process, and we promise you'll have all the information you need to use solar energy with confidence.
To help you determine the best option for you, you can use this solar calculator that will weigh different solar energy options and other renewable energy options. The state passed the Clean Economy Act to promote solar energy, and state incentives for solar energy are very attractive. Across the country, net metering programs have been crucial for the solar industry, allowing residents to send surplus net energy to the electricity grid and receive compensation for it on their energy bill. Solar leases should generally be avoided because they don't allow you to take the federal tax credit, don't increase home value, and provide a much smaller ROI, if any, than solar loans and cash purchases.
The final consideration you need to make is with regard to the solar panel installation company that wants to complete the installation of your home solar project. Some Virginians worry that the slightly upstate location and frequent cloudy weather will make solar energy less valuable overall. The panels will work for about 25 years, and while they provide some protection for your roof, you will still need to replace the shingles, which can be costly if you also have to remove the panels.
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