Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination
CONTACT INFORMATION: Our office is open to visitors by appointment only. Please call or email from 8:00 a.m 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- Carbon Neutral Counties Declaration
- Environmental Quality Advisory Council
- Fairfax Green Initiatives
- Green Building and Sustainable Development
- Joint Environmental Task Force
- Recycling and Trash
- Environmental Health
- Stormwater
- Sustainability Initiatives Report
- Trees
- Noise
Going Solar in Fairfax County
Fairfax County encourages residents to invest in solar energy. By using renewable energy like solar instead of fossil fuels, you help reduce pollution and planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions. And solar power can pay for itself in 10 to 20 years, so you’ll enjoy reduced energy bills, tax credits and other incentives, including extra protection from power loss during extreme weather when you invest in storage solutions.
This webpage provides resources for residents interested in installing solar panels in Fairfax County. For more information about the basics of solar energy, your solar options, and questions to ask solar professionals, refer to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar.
Solar Benefits
Fairfax County residents are opting to install solar panels on their homes. Press play to hear from them how they made the switch and how it changed their lives for the better!
Solar energy uses a renewable energy source – the sun! In addition to reducing your electricity bill, using solar energy reduces your environmental impact and Fairfax County’s carbon footprint. You will also help reduce demand on the electricity grid during peak, sunny hours. Plus, installing solar panels can increase the value of your home. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, every dollar that a solar panel saves you on your electrical bills increases the value of your home by 20.
Solar Potential
The first step in getting solar is assessing whether your home or building is a good candidate. A few questions to ask when considering going solar:
- Is your roof shaded by trees or other obstacles? Direct sunlight for six or more hours a day is ideal.
- Is your roof relatively new? Solar installations can last 20-25 years, so your roof should be less than five years old.
- What direction does your roof primarily face? Solar arrays can be configured in many different ways to allow for maximum exposure to sunlight throughout the day but ideally your roof should face south or west for the most exposure.
You can investigate your property’s solar potential by visiting the Northern Virginia Regional Commission’s NOVA Solar Map. You can also estimate the performance of potential solar projects using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s PVWatts Calculator.
Finding a Contractor
Certified solar installers can be found through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners®. Visit the county‘s Consumer Services webpage for general tips about hiring a contractor.
By going through a solar co-op purchasing program, homeowners are granted access to a pre-qualified solar installer for a no-cost evaluation of their property and can take advantage of cost savings should they decide to pursue a solar installation. information on solar co-op purchasing programs can be found below.
BEWARE OF DOOR-TO-DOOR SALESMEN AND SCAMS
Fairfax County residents should be aware of their rights and the regulations surrounding door-to-door solicitation in the county. If a salesperson comes to your door with information about solar panels or installation, please ask to see their county-issued license before engaging with them. Never provide your personal information (birthdate, social security number, etc.) to a solicitor.
If you encounter an unlicensed solicitor, please contact the Fairfax County Police non-emergency line at 703-691-2131. information on door-to-door solicitation can be found here.
Cost and Financing
Your electricity bill is based on how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity you use. Most homes use between 800 kWh and 1,500 kWh each month depending on weather, home size, energy efficiency and how many electric appliances are used.
The price of solar electricity is typically expressed in terms of dollars per watt of installed power. Typical pricing for residential systems is in the range of 5000.50 to 4.00 per watt, depending on the size and market economics. A 5 kilowatt (5 kW) solar system will produce about 8,000 kWh of electricity per year. At 3 per watt, that system would cost about 15,000 to install.
By reducing electricity costs and taking advantage of tax incentives, the 15,000 investment can pay for itself in about 10-15 years.
Residential solar panels can be purchased outright or financed with a loan from a solar installer, bank, or other financial institution.
Solar Co-Op Purchasing Programs
Solar group purchasing programs make getting solar easier and less expensive by providing information and benefits to participants. These programs typically offer:
- A free assessment to find out whether your home is a good candidate for solar installation
- Bulk discounts on solar systems, ranging from 10 to 15 percent off
- Access to a qualified solar installer
- Discounted opportunities to bundle your solar system with electric vehicle charging stations and solar battery storage
Additionally, some programs offer participants a complimentary, virtual home energy assessment to help improve their home energy performance holistically. Those who decide to pursue solar through a co-op purchasing program typically receive a 10 to 15 percent discount off current consumer rates for solar arrays and systems.
Incentives
County Incentives
Fairfax County offers a number of incentives to encourage residents and businesses to install solar panels. The county’s Land Development Services waives the permit fee for solar permit applications, and the county’s Department of Tax Administration provides a 5-year solar energy equipment tax exemption. To learn about the permitting and inspection process, refer to Land Development Services’ page about Residential Solar Permits.
Federal Tax Credits
The federal government currently offers a tax credit for solar PV system installation, to include the costs of the solar panels, contractor labor costs, balance-of-system equipment, and energy storage devices. Systems installed between 2022 and 2032 are eligible for a 30 percent tax credit. The credit will decrease to 26 percent for systems installed in 2033, to 22 percent for systems installed in 2034, and the credit will expire in 2035 unless renewed by Congress. The installation of the system must be complete during the tax year, and there is no maximum amount that can be claimed.
Solar Rights
Under Virginia state law (§56-594), residential customers may install systems up to 20 kilowatts and non-residential customers may install systems up to 500 kilowatts. Electric utilities must credit solar panel owners for excess electricity generated through something called net metering. Your solar contractor should coordinate with your electric utility to replace your standard meter with a net meter after your panels are installed. The net meter is bi-directional, tracking electrons flowing both out of and into the grid.
Going Solar Made Easy with Green Sun Energy Services
New Jersey homeowners can take advantage of some really great solar incentives. As the owner of your solar panel system, you’ll receive sales tax exemption; property tax exemption; a 30% federal investment tax credit; 15-years’ worth of SREC income from New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program; and all of the clean energy that your system produces.
Because of these great incentives, you can finance your solar panel system for as little as 99 down and actually make a nice profit within the very first year. Or, if you have access to some cash, the combination of federal state incentives will typically enable you to break-even within 5 to 7-years.
With Green Sun Energy Services at your side, switching to clean and inexpensive solar power has never been easier. We’ll work with you to determine the best solar panels, inverters, warranties, and financing options for you and your family. Check out our Client Portfolio to see how much some of your neighbors are already saving with solar.
The Green Sun Difference
When it comes to going solar, you can trust the experts at Green Sun Energy Services. We make the process simple, affordable, and stress-free. Take control of your energy future and enjoy the benefits of clean, inexpensive solar power.
- Local Experts: Our team consists of knowledgeable and experienced solar energy experts who are well-versed in the latest industry trends and technologies. We are dedicated to delivering the highest standard of service.
- Superior Equipment: We only work with top-quality solar equipment and technology, ensuring optimal performance and maximum energy efficiency for your system.
- Aesthetically Pleasing Designs: We understand that the visual appeal of your solar system matters. Our designs blend seamlessly with your property, enhancing its aesthetics while harnessing the power of the sun.
- Dozens of Financing Payment Options: We work with three specialty banks offering low interest loans terms from five-years to twenty-five-years.
- Money-Back Guarantee: We are confident in the quality of our work and guarantee your satisfaction. If your system doesn’t produce 90% our contracted estimate, we’ll write you a check!
- Commitment to Long-Term Customer Relationships: Building lasting relationships with our customers is at the core of what we do. We are here to support you throughout your solar journey and beyond, providing ongoing maintenance and support.
Q: Are solar panels really free. or is free solar a scam?
If you’ve been researching solar panel system, you’ve probably heard at least one company advertise ‘free solar panels’ or seen ads that start with U.S. Government Pays Middle Class Families to Go Solar or New Jersey will pay you to install solar. These ads are typically lead capture scams to sell your information to solar leasing companies!
New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program does not offer free solar panel installations. All current NJBPU sponsored Solar incentive programs can be found at www.NJCleanEnergy.com/renewable-energ.
Here’s the deal: There is no such thing as a free lunch (or a free solar panel installation). Free solar panels are not actually free; you will pay for the electricity that they produce, usually under a 20-to-25-year solar lease or Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Under both of these arrangements, a leasing company will put solar panels on your roof for no money up-front, keep all of the incentives, and charge you for the electricity that they produce.
That said, here are some common pitfalls associated with solar leasing:
- 20 Year Financial Commitment
- Potential for Annual Cost Increases
- Transferability Issues
- Limited Financial Incentives
- No Ownership of the Panels Bolted to Your Roof
- System Performance and Maintenance
The Green Sun Difference
When it comes to going solar, you can trust the experts at Green Sun Energy Services. We make the process simple, affordable, and stress-free. Take control of your energy future and enjoy the benefits of clean, inexpensive solar power.
- Local Experts
- Dozens of Financing Payment Options
- Superior Equipment
- Aesthetically Pleasing Designs
- Money-Back Guarantee
- Commitment to Long-Term Customer Relationships
Call us at 732-410-7818 or complete the form below to speak with one of our New Jersey-based Solar Energy Consultants. Rest assured, we value your privacy! We will never sell or share your personal information!
Georgia’s Solar Energy
The potential for solar energy use in Georgia is dependent upon the amount of sun shining on the earth’s surface called solar insolation. Several factors such as weather patterns, humidity and haze can affect local insolation levels.
As can be seen on this solar map, insolation values in Georgia are significant enough to support solar energy systems in our state, with the southern two-thirds of Georgia having solar insolation values equivalent to most of the state of Florida.
Calculate Your Solar Power
Get an estimate of the amount of energy your solar panels will produce in an annual period.
Georgia Incentives
An uncapped 26% federal income tax credit is available to homeowners for solar equipment placed in service before December 31, 2020. Find information about tax incentives at the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy. Please consult your tax advisor to determine how this federal incentive may apply to your particular circumstances.
Georgians may qualify to be eligible for the Federal Solar Tax Credit.
Government agencies and utilities offer a variety of tax credits and rebates. See if you qualify for nationally available rebates or find savings that may be available to you at Energy.gov Tax Credits, Rebates, and Savings.
Georgia Solar Potential
The potential for solar energy use in Georgia is dependent upon the amount of sun shining on the earth’s surface called solar insolation. Several factors such as weather patterns, humidity and haze can affect local insolation levels. However, insolation values in Georgia are significant enough to support solar energy systems in our state, with the southern two-thirds of Georgia having solar insolation values equivalent to most of the state of Florida.
Basic Information
Solar Basics: Learn more about the basics of how solar works from the U.S. Department of Energy.
Solar Research: The National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) offers research data and information for photovoltaics for homes and solar water heating for homes.
Solar Electric Power Association: The Solar Electric Power Association provides solar info from the utility company perspective.
Cost and Production
PVWatts Georgia: Use the NREL PV watts calculator to estimate the amount of energy your solar panels will produce in an annual period.
Georgia Incentives Rebates
An uncapped 30% federal income tax credit is available to homeowners for solar equipment placed in service before December 31, 2019. Find information about tax incentives at the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy. Please consult your tax advisor to determine how this federal incentive may apply to your particular circumstances.
Energy.gov Tax Credits, Rebates, and Savings
Solar Demonstration Project
Housed on the roof of our Georgia Power’s headquarters, the energy generated by the PV panels is partially offsetting the electricity needs of our corporate headquarters.
REC Disclaimer: A Renewable Energy Certificate (REC), sometimes called a renewable energy credit, represents the renewable attributes of energy produced from a renewable energy facility. RECs are considered a commodity and can be sold or traded separately from the actual energy. Georgia Power purchases only the null energy output from the renewable generating facilities that have contracted to sell energy from their solar facilities through the Large Scale Solar (LSS) program and the initial (2013/2014) Advance Solar Initiative (ASI). The sole ownership of RECs belongs to each generating facility, as specifically stated in each respective power purchase agreement (PPA). The original intent of these programs was to grow renewable resources in Georgia, while allowing the generating facilities to retain the benefits of the RECs. Georgia Power does not report emission reductions from the null energy purchased through PPAs that do not bundle the RECs for sale to Georgia Power.
Consider Palmetto as Your Solar Energy Company
As a company on a mission to halt climate change and expand access to clean energy for everyone, Palmetto wants to help as many people as we can go solar and reduce their carbon footprint. We invite you to join us on our journey by installing a solar panel system on your Texas home.
Get started today with an instant quote and savings estimate from Palmetto, and learn more about how the solar power federal tax credit can help reduce your out-of- expenses. It’s time to take advantage of the federal tax credit, as well as the other Texas solar incentives that your local government and utility may offer.
Finally, visit our Texas page for more information on going solar in your state.