As homeowners and businesses in Virginia Beach continue to adopt solar power, the impacts are notable. Not only do these solar systems contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, but they also provide potential savings on energy costs over time, according to IEA.
The city’s solar adaptation reflects a wider movement within the state of Virginia, which is steadily converting to solar, SolarPanelsVirginiaBeach is positioning Virginia as a leader in the transition to a future less dependent on traditional, non-renewable energy.
Call now to get a free quote
Understanding Solar Energy in Virginia Beach
Solar energy has become a significant part of Virginia Beach’s efforts toward sustainable living, capitalizing on its sunny climate. This section explores the fundamentals of solar energy and the advantages it presents to the region.
The Basics of Solar Power
Solar power in Virginia Beach hinges on the conversion of sunlight into electricity, either through photovoltaic (PV) panels or other solar technologies.
A typical home in Virginia Beach might require an installation around 8kW in size to meet most electricity needs, indicating an investment that reflects the average cost per watt and any local incentives.
- Average System Size Needed: 8 kW
- Average Cost per Watt: $3.61
- Estimated Cost Pre-Incentives: $28,880 for 8kW system
- Estimated Cost After Federal ITC: Lowered by 30% of equipment and installation costs
The city’s latitude offers an advantage such that solar installations titled at Virginia Beach’s latitude receive, on average, 4.93 kWh/m^2/day.
Benefits of Solar Energy
The utilization of solar energy presents several benefits for residents and the environment.
- For Residents:
- Reduced Electricity Bills: As solar power offsets the need to purchase energy from the grid.
- Tax Incentives: Federal tax credit reduces the costs of solar equipment and installation by 30%.
- For the Environment:
- Renewable: Solar energy is a clean, inexhaustible resource.
- Lower Carbon Footprint: Reduces reliance on fossil fuels and results in lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Moreover, Virginia Beach’s total solar capacity stands at 35.9 megawatts, which distributes to about 78.1 watts per person, underscoring the city’s commitment to expanding its renewable energy infrastructure.
Key Solar Providers and Installers
Virginia Beach boasts a variety of solar companies, one of the top tier providers, SolarPanelsVirginiaBeach ensures residents have access to competitive solar installation services. This provider caters to different preferences and budgets, allowing one to choose a solar solution best suited to their needs.
Selecting a Solar Provider
When selecting a solar provider in Virginia Beach, homeowners should consult with SolarPanelsVirginiaBeach to get the insight on a company’s reputation, the range of services offered, and their installation experience. It’s also recommended to compare providers based on:
- Customer reviews and ratings
- Industry certifications and awards
- Range and quality of solar products offered
- After-sales support and warranty coverage
Comparison of Solar Installers
The process of comparing solar installers in Virginia Beach involves evaluating their service offerings which might range from consultation to full installation and aftercare. Residents can use the following criteria to assess and compare installers:
- Installation Costs: Usually, the average cost for a 5 kilowatt solar panel system in the area is around $14,839 before incentives as of December 2023.
- Annual Production: Potential savings and energy production from installed systems; for example, a 4kW system could generate an estimated 6,043 kWh annually.
- Payback Period: The time it takes for the energy savings to cover the initial cost; a system might fully pay back in approximately 17 years.
- Environmental Impact: Reduction in CO2 emissions, where a 4kW system could reduce emissions by about 2.25 tons per year.
Identifying the best solar installer among the highly ranked companies in Virginia Beach will depend on specific homeowner needs, as well as the installer’s expertise and service quality.
Solar Financial Incentives and Rebates
Residents and businesses in Virginia Beach looking to adopt solar energy can take advantage of a variety of financial incentives and rebates. These incentives are designed to lower the initial investment of solar installation and provide ongoing benefits for using renewable energy.
State and Federal Solar Incentives
Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC): One of the most significant financial incentives for solar energy adoption in Virginia Beach is the Federal Investment Tax Credit, which allows taxpayers to deduct 26% of the cost of installing a solar energy system from their federal taxes. This incentive is available to both residential and commercial installations.
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs): Virginia’s Solar Renewable Energy Credits program enables residents to earn one SREC for each megawatt-hour (MWh) of clean electricity their panels produce. Homeowners can sell these certificates, generating additional income that helps offset the system’s cost.
Local Rebates and Programs
Property Tax Exemption: Virginia Beach offers a local property tax exemption for solar energy equipment, reducing the additional property tax burden that could arise due to an increase in property value after solar panel installation.
Net Metering: Net metering programs in Virginia Beach allow solar energy system owners to receive credits on their electric bills for any excess energy their system generates and sends back to the grid. This helps to further reduce electricity costs and improve the return on investment for solar installations.
Local Rebates: While specific local rebates can depend on current city or county offerings and change annually, Virginia Beach residents are encouraged to look for local government and utility rebates that may be available to help reduce the upfront costs associated with solar panel installations.
Integrating Solar Technology
In Virginia Beach, integrating solar technology means understanding the essential components and their functions. Homeowners and businesses are shifting towards solar panels and battery storage solutions to harness clean electricity efficiently.
Solar Panels and Equipment
Solar panels are the primary component for capturing solar energy. In Virginia Beach, a typical home may require an 8kW solar system to cover its electricity needs. This translates to an energy production capacity of around 8 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per hour of peak sunlight.
The cost of solar equipment can vary, but with a residential price-per-watt averaging $3.61, the financial feasibility is often determined by local rebates and solar incentives.
- Type of Solar Panels Available:
- Monocrystalline
- Polycrystalline
- Thin-film
However, the solar technology installation also encompasses additional components for a functional system:
- Inverters: Convert the DC electricity generated by the panels into AC electricity.
- Mounting systems: Secure the panels in place, oriented and angled to capture maximum sunlight.
- Monitoring systems: Allow homeowners to track energy production and system performance.
Solar Battery Storage Solutions
Solar battery storage in Virginia Beach provides resilience and energy independence by storing excess electricity generated. These storage solutions are particularly useful to offset energy consumption when solar production is low or during grid outages.
- Storage Capacity typically offered:
- Small-scale: 3 to 10 kWh
- Large-scale: 10 to 100+ kWh
The integration of solar battery storage with photovoltaic systems enables property owners to:
- Capture and store electricity for later use.
- Optimize energy consumption during peak and off-peak hours.
- Reduce dependence on the electrical grid.
Navigating the Transition to Solar Electricity
Transitioning to solar electricity in Virginia Beach is a strategic step for homeowners seeking renewable energy options. This section provides a clear pathway for those who are considering this eco-friendly switch, including initial steps to installation and ongoing system management.
Steps to Going Solar
To begin the process of adopting solar electricity, homeowners should conduct a feasibility study to assess the solar potential of their property. This includes evaluating the roof’s orientation, shade coverage, and structural integrity.
They then need to compare local solar companies, considering factors like experience, certifications, and customer reviews to identify the best provider for their needs.
Here’s a simple overview:
- Assess property solar potential
- Research and select a solar provider
- Explore incentives and rebates
- Coordinate with utility companies
- Schedule and carry out the installation