Solar Energy

Solar energy uses a renewable energy source – the sun – and provides many benefits for individuals and the region. It improves environmental quality by reducing carbon emissions and air pollution, supports local solar companies in Virginia, creates local jobs, saves money on energy costs, and improves electric grid resilience during peak demand and other stresses to the system.   

For information about the basics of solar energy, your solar options, and questions to ask solar professionals, read the Residential Consumer Guide to Solar Power and visit the Department of Energy’s Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar. 

Rooftop and ground-mounted solar collection facilities are permitted by right in Residential, Agricultural, Commercial, Mixed-Use, Industrial, or Institutional zones, provided that the facility serves the electrical or thermal needs of the property on which it is located (see Code of Virginia §15.2-2288.7. Local regulation of solar facilities). This means that you can install solar panels on your home, business, or farm that serves the purposes of your property, but you cannot run an entire solar farm without additional permitting. Large scale solar facilities are subject to different regulations, which we will explore below.

By-right solar facilities are still subject to local height and setback requirements; historic, architectural, or corridor protection district restrictions; and other applicable zoning regulations. 

HOAs cannot prohibit homeowners from installing solar unless the HOA’s recorded declaration (founding document) explicitly prohibits solar installations. They may establish “reasonable restrictions,” which are defined by Virginia Code §55.1-1820.1. Installation of solar energy collection devices. 

Virginia Building Energy Code 

Interconnection Standards – For Residential, Non-Residential, and Agricultural net metered systems and non-net metered residential systems. 

Google Project Sunroof – Investigate your property’s solar potential and savings estimates.

NREL’s PVWatts® Calculator – Estimate the performance of potential PV installations.

SHINE Utility-Scale Solar Outlook in Virginia – View all utility-scale solar projects currently in the pipeline in Virginia; see projections MW output, jobs, and wages. 

Find a solar contractor(s) to assess your home or business for solar energy and provide a quote. 

Certified practitioners can be found through NABCEP.

Visit EnergySage to learn about solar energy and submit for solar quotes from a network of pre-screened, local solar installers.

Solar Owner’s Manual – information for current solar homeowners to ensure they are getting the most out of their system from Solar United Neighbors.

Solar Checklist – The Interstate Renewable Energy Council’s checklist of key information to know before contracting for a solar system. 

Clean Energy Consumer Bill of Rights – from the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) 

Virginia Solar Easements Act, Code of Virginia.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: Encouraging Solar Development through Community Association Policies and Processes – includes details on how communities can encourage solar development through community association policies and processes.