The cost will depend on the number of panels installed and whether your site is suitable for rooftop solar or ground-mounted solar. Ground-mounted systems typically cost more. On average, a rooftop solar system costs between $10,000 – $25,000. Your solar installer can walk you through different financing scenarios and options.

Configuration Options

There are two different types of panels to choose from:

• Standard Panels (foreign-made)
  • 10 yr warranty on install and workmanship
  • 25 years on power at 80% or better
• “Buy America” Compliant Panels 
  • 10 yr warranty on install and workmanship
  • 25 yr on power at 80% or better

Additionally, you have the option of standard inverters or micro-inverters. Talk to your solar sales engineer to determine which is the best choice for you!

Financial Incentives

In addition to the Solarize discount, Solarize Piedmont installers will help participants access a 30% federal tax credit, access affordable financing, and navigate the Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) market.

• Federal Tax Credit (ITC) – Up to 30% of your solar installation
• USDA REAP (Rural Energy for America Program) Grant – Up to 25% of the cost for commercial and agricultural projects
• Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS) – Businesses may recover investments in certain property through depreciation deductions
• Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE)

Additional charges may apply…

• Panels installed on more than 2 roof planes
• Extensive/difficult cabling for online monitoring functionality
• Tilt legs for roof-mounted arrays
• Electrical modifications to the existing service other than net-metered back-fed breaker installation • Grid-tied Battery backup power installation
• Off-grid battery backup power installation
• Rocks in trenching line
• Copper, slate, tile, or shake roofs
• Line side tap (if needed)
• Service shutdown (if needed)
• Multiple string inverters
• Extended inverter warranties
• Non-standard color panels or frames
• Premium panel upgrade

Solar Energy Equipment Tax Exemption (Code of VA § 58.1-3661)

• Potential Applicants: Business, Industry, and Residents. This statute allows any county, city, or town to exempt or partially exempt solar energy equipment from local property taxes. Eligible technologies include passive solar space heat, active solar water heat, active solar space heat, solar thermal electricity, and photovoltaics. Certified solar energy items are defined as any “property, including real and personal property, equipment, facilities, and devices which use solar energy that would otherwise require a conventional source of energy.” Localities offering exemptions: Albemarle, Alexandria, Charlottesville, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Fairfax County, Falls Church, Fauquier, Hampton, Hanover, Henrico, Isle of Wight, King and Queen, Loudoun, Lynchburg, Prince William, Pulaski, Rappahannock, Roanoke, Spotsylvania, and Winchester.

All of the options above may make it possible for participants to finance their installations with monthly payments similar to or less than their regular utility payments.

Please note: This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.