Virginia Solar & EV Incentives 2026 — Dominion Energy Rebates & Expanding Programs
Virginia's clean energy sector is growing rapidly under the Virginia Clean Economy Act. Dominion Energy offers rebates for solar, EVs, and heat pumps, and the state is actively expanding net metering rights.
$14,625+
Max potential savings
4
Total incentives
13.6¢
Avg rate / kWh
14.5 yrs
Solar payback
$15,000
25-yr solar savings
1.1%
EV fleet share
Good ☀️☀️
Solar potential
Solar Incentives in Virginia
Dominion Energy Solar Buyback
Retail-rate credits
Net metering at retail rate for Dominion customers. Surplus credits roll over month-to-month.
Eligibility: Dominion Energy VA residential customers with solar.
EV Incentives in Virginia
Dominion EV Charger Rebate
Up to $125
Rebate for Level 2 EV charger when enrolled in Dominion's off-peak charging program.
Eligibility: Dominion Energy VA residential customers.
Heat Pump Incentives in Virginia
Dominion Heat Pump Rebate
Up to $500
Rebate for high-efficiency heat pump installations through Dominion's energy efficiency program.
Eligibility: Dominion Energy VA residential customers.
HEAR Rebate (High Efficiency Electric Home Rebate)
Up to $14,000
Point-of-sale rebate up to $8,000 for heat pumps, $1,750 for HPWHs, $4,000 for panel upgrades. Income-based.
Eligibility: Households < 150% of Area Median Income. Program administered by state energy offices.
Get Free Solar Quotes for Your Home
Compare bids from pre-screened local installers through EnergySage — the nation's largest online solar marketplace.
Your estimated 25-year savings: $15,000
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Is Solar Worth It in Virginia?
Virginia solar payback is moderate — currently 13–15 years — driven by average electricity rates (13.6¢/kWh) and good sun (4.5 hrs/day). The Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA) is steadily improving the solar policy landscape, and Dominion Energy's expanding programs make VA a growing solar market with an improving long-term trajectory.
Nationally, EnergySage reports the average homeowner saves about $61,000 over 25 years by going solar — though actual savings vary by state, electricity rate, and system size.
Key Advantage
Virginia's 4.5 peak sun hours/day is solid, installation costs are competitive ($2.78/W), and the VCEA mandates Dominion Energy to reach 100% clean energy by 2045 — driving continued solar policy improvement and retail-rate net metering protections.
Watch Out For
Virginia's 13.6¢/kWh electricity rate is below average, and there is no state solar tax credit or SREC program. Appalachian Power Company customers in western VA have fewer solar program options than Dominion customers.
Solar Cost & Savings in Virginia (8 kW System)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Gross install cost | $22,240 |
| Net install cost | $22,240 |
| Annual energy savings | $1,430 |
| Simple payback period | 14.5 years |
| 25-year net savings | $15,000 |
The federal residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired Dec 31, 2025 and is not included above. State and utility incentives may still apply and are listed separately.
* Estimates based on 2.78/W avg install cost, 4.5 peak sun hrs/day, and 13.6¢/kWh rate with 2.5%/yr escalation. Individual results vary.
Get Free Solar Quotes for Your Home
Compare bids from pre-screened local installers through EnergySage — the nation's largest online solar marketplace.
Your estimated 25-year savings: $15,000
We may earn a referral commission through EnergySage, at no cost to you.
How to Go Solar in Virginia: Step-by-Step
- 1
Verify your utility — Dominion vs. Appalachian Power
Dominion Energy Virginia (about 70% of the state) has better solar programs than Appalachian Power Company (western VA). If you're in APCo territory, contact APCo directly for their current solar net metering terms, which differ from Dominion's.
- 2
Apply for sales tax and property tax exemptions
Virginia exempts solar energy equipment from state sales tax (5.3%) and exempts solar systems from added property tax assessment. Confirm your installer applies the sales tax exemption at purchase. File a property tax exemption with your county's Commissioner of Revenue after installation.
- 3
Check Dominion's interconnection timeline
Dominion's residential solar interconnection queue has grown with VA solar adoption. Confirm current interconnection timelines (typically 60–120 days) at dominionenergy.com. Installation date does not equal bill credit start date — plan your timeline accordingly.
- 4
Get quotes targeting $2.60–2.90/W
Virginia has a growing installer base, particularly in Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Hampton Roads. Use EnergySage for multiple quotes from both national and local installers. The 25-year panel + 10-year workmanship warranty is the market standard minimum.
Frequently Asked Questions — Solar & Clean Energy in Virginia
Is solar worth it in Virginia in 2026?
Solar is viable in Virginia with a moderate return. With 4.5 peak sun hours/day and 13.6¢/kWh rates, payback on an 8 kW system is approximately 13–15 years. Dominion Energy's retail-rate net metering and the ongoing policy improvements under the VCEA make the long-term trajectory positive. Note: The federal 25D ITC expired Dec 31, 2025.
What solar incentives are available in Virginia?
Virginia offers: (1) Dominion Energy net metering at retail rates, (2) Sales tax exemption on solar equipment, (3) Property tax exemption on solar added home value, (4) Dominion EV charger rebate ($125), (5) Dominion heat pump rebate (up to $500). Virginia has no state solar tax credit. The federal 25D ITC expired Dec 31, 2025.
How does Dominion Energy net metering work in Virginia?
Dominion Energy Virginia offers net metering at retail rates under the VCEA framework. Monthly excess credits roll forward. Annual surplus is settled at the avoided cost rate. Dominion's customer solar buyback rate and net metering terms are regulated by the Virginia State Corporation Commission — Dominion is required to accept solar applications without caps at current levels.
What is the Virginia Clean Economy Act and how does it affect solar?
The VCEA (2020) mandates that Dominion Energy reach 100% renewable energy by 2045. It requires continued expansion of net metering rights, directs Dominion to purchase renewable energy certificates from qualifying generators, and is driving significant solar investment in VA. For homeowners, it signals a long-term supportive policy environment — even if current direct incentives remain limited.
Recommended Products for Virginia
Dominion Energy programs + DC Metro affluent spillover
Calculate Your Virginia Savings
Use our free calculators with Virginia's electricity rate (13.6¢/kWh) and gas prices ($1.58/therm) automatically applied.
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Data Sources & Methodology
Incentive data: DSIRE, U.S. DOE, IRS, and state energy offices. Electricity rates: EIA Electric Power Monthly (Feb 2026). Solar production: NREL PVWatts v8. Install costs: EnergySage National Market Report Q4 2025. Rate escalation: 2.5%/yr (20-yr EIA avg). Last updated February 2026. Always verify current amounts with the administering agency.