Roanoke, VA Solar Panels
Solar Power in Roanoke
Roanoke homeowners are discovering that solar energy offers a smart path to lower electricity bills and energy independence. With Virginia’s electricity prices climbing 21% from 2020 to 2024, exploring your options for home solar panels has never been more important.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about solar installation in Roanoke—from costs and incentives to choosing the right system for your home.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Roanoke, VA?
Our calculator uses real installation data from Roanoke homeowners—including neighborhoods like Cave Spring, Hollins, and Salem—to show you accurate solar costs. Get personalized estimates based on actual local projects, not national averages.
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You can still access the solar tax credit through Palmetto. Talk to us today to find out how.
Key Takeaways
- Roanoke receives 4.8 peak sun hours daily, providing strong solar production potential throughout the year for local homeowners.
- Virginia electricity rates increased 21% since 2020, making solar’s fixed energy costs increasingly valuable for budget stability.
- A typical Roanoke solar system saves approximately $67,000 over 25 years while reducing your carbon footprint significantly.
Roanoke Electricity Prices
Understanding electricity costs in Roanoke helps you make informed decisions about your home’s energy future and long-term budget planning.
Virginia’s electricity rates have risen from 12.0 cents per kWh in 2021 to 14.5 cents per kWh in 2024—a 21% increase in just three years that impacts every Roanoke household’s monthly expenses.
Solar panels generate electricity at a fixed cost, protecting Roanoke homeowners from future rate increases. Once installed, your system produces power at the same predictable rate for decades, independent of utility price fluctuations.
Over a typical 25-year lifespan, solar systems help Roanoke families stabilize their energy expenses while reducing dependence on the grid. The long-term savings potential grows as traditional electricity rates continue their upward trend.
Price of Energy: Virginia vs National Average
Roanoke Area Utility Providers
Understanding local electricity costs is essential when considering solar panel installation in Roanoke. Appalachian Power serves the area, with residential rates at 15.9¢ per kilowatt-hour based on 2023 data.
Appalachian Power’s rates sit slightly below the 2023 national average of 16.0¢ per kWh but above Virginia’s state average of 14.30¢. This positioning reflects regional infrastructure investments and the utility’s energy generation mix.
With electricity prices historically trending upward, Roanoke homeowners can benefit from solar’s predictable energy costs. Solar panels generate power at a fixed cost, helping protect against future rate increases over the system’s 25+ year lifespan.
Roanoke Utilities Electricity Rates
Virginia Solar Incentives
Virginia offers several solar incentives in Virginia that help Roanoke homeowners reduce the upfront and ongoing costs of solar installation.
These programs include property tax exemptions that protect you from increased assessments, Solar Renewable Energy Certificates that provide annual credits, and net metering policies that credit you for excess power production.
Incentive programs can change as policies evolve, so reviewing current offerings and acting when programs align with your goals makes sense for your planning.
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar Property Tax Exemption | State tax exemption | 100% exemption of solar value from property tax for systems =25kW. Savings based on local tax rates. Example: $288/year savings on $30k system. | Learn More |
| Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) | State program | $10 per REC (1,000 kWh) through Virginia’s state program. A typical home system of 8kWh will produce ~$100/year in credits | Learn More |
Virginia’s Solar Property Tax Exemption allows homeowners to exclude the added value of their solar energy system from their property taxes. When you install solar panels, your home’s value typically increases, which would normally result in higher property taxes. This exemption ensures you won’t pay additional property taxes on that increased value, helping you keep more of your solar savings.
To qualify, your solar system must be certified by your local building department as designed primarily for collecting, generating, transferring, or storing solar energy. Systems up to 25 kilowatts are completely exempt from state and local property taxes. For larger systems, your local government must pass an ordinance to offer the exemption, which can be full or partial. You’ll need to apply for certification with your local building department, ideally within one year of installation. Once approved, the exemption lasts for at least five years, and some localities may make it retroactive to your installation date if you apply within the first year.
The value of your exemption depends on your local property tax rate and the assessed value of your solar equipment. For example, if your solar system adds $20,000 to your home’s value and your local property tax rate is 1%, you would save $200 annually in property taxes. Keep in mind that this is a local incentive, so availability and terms vary by county, city, or town—check with your local government to confirm they’ve adopted this exemption ordinance.
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) are tradable credits that Virginia solar homeowners earn for the clean electricity their systems produce. For every 1,000 kilowatt-hours (1 megawatt-hour) your solar panels generate, you earn one SREC that can be sold on the market. These certificates help utilities meet Virginia’s Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard requirements, creating demand and value for your solar production.
The financial benefit varies based on market conditions, as SRECs are bought and sold through the PJM regional market. Homeowners typically work with REC brokers or aggregators who handle the sale of these certificates on their behalf. The value fluctuates with supply and demand, so the income you receive will change over time. Your solar system must be registered through the PJM-Environmental Information Services Generation Attribute Tracking System (GATS) to create and track your SRECs.
All solar systems in Virginia are eligible to generate SRECs, regardless of size. Your system must be located within Virginia or the PJM region and meet the state’s definition of renewable energy. There are no application deadlines, as SRECs are generated automatically once your system is registered in GATS. You’ll continue earning these certificates for as long as your system produces electricity, providing an ongoing revenue stream that helps offset your solar investment costs.
Net metering in Virginia allows you to receive credit for the excess solar energy your system sends back to the electric grid. When your solar panels produce more electricity than your home uses, that surplus power flows to the grid, and you receive credits on your electric bill at a 1:1 rate. This means every kilowatt-hour (kWh) you send to the grid offsets one kWh you might use later, effectively running your meter backwards and reducing your monthly electricity costs.
The specific benefits depend on your utility provider. If you’re a Dominion Energy customer, your excess credits carry over month to month throughout the year. At the end of your annual billing cycle, any remaining credits either roll over to the next year or are paid out at Dominion’s avoided cost rate (typically 3-5 cents per kWh). If you’re served by Appalachian Power Company (APCo), your excess credits roll over indefinitely from month to month, though they won’t be paid out as a cash payment. This program is available to homeowners with solar systems in Virginia, and there are no application deadlines since net metering is an ongoing utility policy. Your solar installer will handle the interconnection paperwork with your utility company to ensure your system is properly set up for net metering.
Ready to start saving with solar?
Speak with a Palmetto solar expert to find out exactly how much you can save with Virginia incentives.
Get a Free QuoteRoanoke Solar Irradiance
Solar panel production varies throughout the year based on daylight hours, weather patterns, and sun intensity. Understanding how seasons affect your solar system helps set realistic expectations for your investment.
Roanoke’s Blue Ridge location brings four distinct seasons affecting solar output. While winter months see reduced production, your annual energy generation remains strong with proper system design.
Solar Production in Roanoke by Month
What Can Your Solar System Power?
Summer Production (July)
In July, your 10 kW system could power:
- 3.6 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Run central AC for 18 hours AND power all other appliances
- or Fully charge 5.4 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Winter Production (December)
In December, your 10 kW system could power:
- 2 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Keep your home heating system running for 15 hours
- or Fully charge 3 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Annual Production
Over a year, your 10 kW system could:
- Offset 10 tons of carbon dioxide emissions
- or Equal the environmental benefit of planting 175 trees
- or Save approximately $4,234 in electricity costs
Want to know exactly how much solar can power your home?
Get a personalized solar analysis based on your actual home, energy usage, and roof characteristics.
Get My Custom EstimateSolar Panel Systems in Roanoke
We’ve mapped every solar installation across Roanoke to help you discover which neighborhoods are embracing clean energy. Explore this interactive map to see how many homes in your community have already made the switch to solar.
Leasing Solar Panels
Roanoke homeowners served by Dominion Energy or Appalachian Power Company can access solar through Palmetto’s LightReach lease program. With a solar lease, you pay a fixed monthly amount—similar to your current electric bill—while enjoying the benefits of clean energy without the upfront investment.
A solar lease removes common barriers to going solar. You avoid the initial system cost, and Palmetto handles all maintenance and repairs throughout the lease term. This means no unexpected expenses if equipment needs servicing, and no learning curve for system upkeep. Your monthly lease payment stays predictable, making it easier to budget your energy costs.
Compared to purchasing a system outright, leasing offers immediate savings without waiting years to recoup your investment. You start reducing your utility bills from day one, and when you lease instead of buy, you’re not responsible for monitoring performance or coordinating repairs—Palmetto’s team manages those details so you can simply enjoy the power your panels produce.
Go solar without the investment
With LightReach, there are no investment costs to recoup, loan payments to manage, or maintenance needs to take on. As soon as your panels are active, your solar savings are too!
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Yes, solar makes strong financial sense in Roanoke. With 4.8 peak sun hours daily and Virginia electricity rates that have increased 21% since 2020, solar panels provide both immediate savings and long-term protection against rising energy costs.
A typical Roanoke solar system saves approximately $67,000 over 25 years while reducing your carbon footprint. Virginia’s net metering and property tax exemption programs further enhance the value, making solar a smart investment for local homeowners.
Yes, Roanoke has net metering through both Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power Company. Both utilities offer 1:1 net metering, meaning you receive full retail rate credit for excess solar energy sent to the grid.
With Dominion Energy, excess credits carry over month-to-month and can either roll over annually or be paid out at 3-5 cents/kWh. With Appalachian Power, credits roll over indefinitely but won’t be paid as cash. This policy helps maximize your solar investment’s value.
Yes, solar panels increase home value in Roanoke. Research from Zillow shows homes with solar panels sell for 4.1% more than comparable homes without solar systems.
For a typical Roanoke home valued at $250,000, solar panels could add approximately $10,250 to your property value. Virginia’s property tax exemption ensures you won’t pay higher taxes on this increased value, letting you keep the full financial benefit when you sell.
Solar installation costs in Roanoke vary by home size. A typical medium home (2,000-3,000 sq ft) needs a 9.72 kW system costing approximately $26,810, or $2.76 per watt. Smaller homes start around $20,485, while larger homes may reach $31,893.
These prices reflect actual Roanoke installations and include all equipment, labor, and permits. Virginia’s property tax exemption and net metering policies help maximize your investment value over the system’s 25+ year lifespan.
Yes, solar is financially worth it in Roanoke. A typical system costs around $26,810 but saves approximately $67,000 over 25 years through reduced electricity bills. With Virginia rates rising 21% since 2020, solar locks in predictable energy costs.
The payback period averages 12 years, meaning you’ll enjoy over a decade of free electricity. Net metering credits and property tax exemptions enhance returns, while your home value increases by approximately 4% without higher property taxes.
At Palmetto Solar, we bring a national company’s resources with a local focus to every Roanoke installation. We offer some of the industry’s best financing options and work with a trusted network of professional installers who understand Virginia’s requirements.
Our team handles everything from system design to permitting, making solar accessible whether you choose to purchase or lease through our LightReach program. We’re committed to delivering quality installations backed by transparent pricing and ongoing support.