Alexandria, VA Solar Installation: 2026 Costs, Incentives & Savings
Solar Power in Alexandria
If you live in Alexandria, VA, you’ve probably noticed your electricity bill creeping higher each year. In fact, electricity prices in Virginia have risen 21% from 2020 to 2024. Many local homeowners are exploring solar as a way to take control of their energy and reduce their reliance on the grid.
Virginia now ranks 15th in the nation for residential solar installations. This guide walks you through the basics of solar installation in Alexandria, so you can feel confident about your options. Want to start with the fundamentals? Explore our helpful guide on home solar panels.
Virginia by the Numbers
- 15th Most residential solar in the United States
- 59 Households have installed solar panels
- 4.7 Avg peak sun hours per day
- ~$70k Alexandria average savings over 25 years
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Alexandria, VA?
Curious what solar really costs in Alexandria? Our calculator uses real installation data from homes across the area—including Del Ray, Old Town, Rosemont, and Seminary Hill. See local, firsthand numbers based on actual projects near you, so you can understand your potential costs with clarity and confidence.
Cost Breakdown
- System Cost: $27,111
- Price per Watt: $2.76
- Estimated monthly cost with LightReach: $115/mo
Savings
- Monthly Savings: Average utility bill reduction $160
- Payback Period: 11.8 years
- 25-Year Savings: $70,155
Palmetto Reviews
Jason Deitz, Richmond, Virginia: I had an excellent experience with Palmetto. The sales person was very knowledgeable.
Nicole Kirby, Richmond, Virginia: Excellent work! This company met all the criteria for my solar install.
John Cali, Yorktown, Virginia: Install team showed up on time, very professional, and very neat.
Key Takeaways
- Alexandria homeowners can save around $70,000 over 25 years by going solar, with electricity rates in Virginia having climbed 21% between 2020 and 2024.
- Virginia offers valuable solar incentives like property and sales tax exemptions plus tradable SRECs.
- Leasing solar through LightReach requires no upfront cost, with Palmetto handling all maintenance.
Alexandria Electricity Prices
Electricity prices in Virginia rose from 12.0 cents per kWh in 2021 to 14.5 cents in 2024—roughly a 21% increase. For Alexandria homeowners, that steady climb adds up on every monthly bill.
Alexandria Area Utility Providers
- NOVEC: 13.90¢
- Dominion Energy: 13.90¢
- REC: 14.80¢
Alexandria Utilities Electricity Rates
| Utility | Rate | Change |
|---|---|---|
| NOVEC | 13.90¢ | -13% |
| Dominion Energy | 13.90¢ | -13% |
| REC | 14.80¢ | -8% |
| VA Average | 14.30¢ | -11% |
| US Average | 16.0¢ | — |
Virginia Solar Incentives
Alexandria homeowners can tap into several solar incentives in Virginia.
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Solar Property Tax Exemption | Property Tax Exemption | Residential solar systems up to 25 kW are automatically exempt statewide from any added property tax. | Learn More |
| Virginia Solar Equipment Sales Tax Exemption | Sales Tax Exemption | All solar panels and their components are exempt from Virginia’s 5.3% state sales tax. | Learn More |
| Virginia Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) | SREC | Virginia solar owners earn one tradable SREC for every 1,000 kWh their system produces. | Learn More |
| Federal Battery Storage Tax Credit (Section 25D) | Tax Credit | Homeowners can claim a 30% federal tax credit for qualified battery storage systems. | Learn More |
| Virginia Shared Solar Program | Rebate | Allows customers to subscribe to a share of an off-site community solar facility. | Learn More |
| Dominion Energy Income and Age Qualifying Solar Program | Rebate | Offers free rooftop solar installations to eligible low-income customers. | Learn More |
| Dominion Energy Virtual Power Plant Pilot Program | Rebate | Links home battery systems for collective power during peak demand. | Learn More |
Alexandria Solar Irradiance
Solar panel production varies throughout the year based on daylight hours, weather patterns, and sun intensity. Alexandria enjoys solid year-round sunlight, making it a strong location for solar production.
Monthly Solar Production
- Summer Production (July): 44 kWh/day
- Winter Production (December): 24.3 kWh/day
- Annual Production: 13,449 kWh/year
Want to know exactly how much solar can power your home?
Get a personalized solar analysis based on your actual home and energy usage.
Solar Panel Systems in Alexandria
See how Alexandria is going solar. We’ve mapped solar installations across the country, right down to the neighborhood level.
Leasing Solar Panels
In Alexandria, VA, Palmetto offers a solar lease through LightReach for homes served by Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power (APCo).
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Alexandria, VA have net metering? Yes, Alexandria homeowners have access to net metering.
- Do solar panels increase your home value in Alexandria, VA? Yes, purchased or owned solar panels can increase your home’s value.
- How much does it cost to go solar in Alexandria, VA? A LightReach lease starts as low as $115 per month with no upfront cost.
- Does solar make sense in Alexandria, VA? Yes, solar makes sense for many Alexandria homeowners with rising electricity rates.
- How much electricity can a solar system produce in Alexandria, VA? A typical 10 kW home solar system produces roughly 13,400 kWh per year.