Can Solar Panels Help You Save Money in Virginia?

Solar panels can help you save money by lowering your electricity bills. When you install solar panels, they generate power during the day when the sun. If your system produces more electricity than you need, net metering allows you to send the excess energy back to the grid, and you get credited for it. This can lower the amount you pay on your utility bill.

The savings will depend on the size of your solar system, the amount of sunlight your property receives, and your overall energy usage. Many property owners find that installing solar panels not only reduces energy costs but also makes their properties more attractive to potential tenants and buyers down the line.

This system is particularly useful because solar panels only produce electricity when the sun is shining. At night or on cloudy days, you might still need to draw power from the grid. However, thanks to net metering, when your solar system produces more electricity than your property consumes, the excess energy is sent to the grid, and your utility provider credits your account.

This reduces the amount you pay for electricity during times when your panels aren't producing enough power. Over time, these savings can add up, significantly lowering your energy bills.

To benefit from net metering, you first need to install a solar power system on your property. Once installed, your system will begin generating electricity whenever sunlight hits the panels.

When your property uses less energy than what the solar panels produce, the excess energy is automatically sent back to the grid. Your utility company tracks how much energy you send back and applies a credit to your account.

In Virginia, compensation for net metering is generally on a one-to-one basis. This means you are credited for the energy you send to the grid at the same rate as you would pay for electricity if you were drawing from the grid. This makes it a highly beneficial system for those who want to save on energy costs and potentially even eliminate their electricity bills.

The steps for applying for net metering include:

Before you can start using net metering, you must get pre-approval from your utility provider. This ensures that your system meets their requirements and that they can safely manage the additional power being sent to the grid.

You’ll be required to file an interconnection application with your utility provider. This application provides details about your solar system, including its size and capacity. It ensures that your system can connect to the grid and that everything is properly aligned with the local utility’s rules.

Most utility companies will require proof of insurance before allowing you to connect your solar system to the grid. This is to protect both the utility and the property owner from liability in case something goes wrong during the interconnection process.

Your system will include an inverter, which converts the electricity generated by the solar panels into usable power for your property. The utility company will have specific requirements regarding the type of inverter used to ensure it meets safety and performance standards.

Your existing electric meter will likely need to be replaced with a bi-directional meter, which can measure both the electricity you use from the grid and the electricity you send back to it.

After your system is installed and inspected, your utility company will schedule a time to connect your system to the grid. This step usually involves swapping out your electric meter and ensuring everything is working properly.

Electrical Inspection for Solar System Approval

Your system will need to pass a local electrical inspection before you can officially connect to the grid and start benefiting from net metering. This inspection ensures that your system is safe and complies with local building codes.

Net metering provides you with an opportunity to save on energy costs by installing solar panels. The system allows you to send excess energy back to the grid and earn credits, which can significantly reduce your electricity bills over time. From understanding how net metering works, to applying for utility approval, to finalizing your solar installation, there are clear steps to follow to take advantage of this system.