Here’s the thing:

Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power are trying to make changes to the Virginia net metering rules that could eliminate the energy savings for solar panels installed in 2025 and beyond.

If you install solar panels before the new rules go into effect (or meet certain income criteria), you can take full advantage of the current rules for net metering in Virginia.

The bottom line: Don’t wait. If you’ve been thinking about installing solar panels for your home in Virginia, give us a call today at 888-586-3343, or send us a message:

Since 2006, EDGE Energy has installed more than 5,000 solar energy systems in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC. We stand out as a six-time winner of the ENERGY STAR Contractor of the Year Award and SunPower Master-certified solar installer (top 5% nationally).

Net Metering Virginia: The State of the State

What is Net Metering?

Net metering is a policy that allows homeowners and businesses with solar energy systems to receive credit on their electric bills for the excess energy they generate and feed back into the grid. Essentially, it allows solar panel owners to offset their electricity costs by generating their own power.

How Net Metering Works in Virginia

In Virginia, net metering is regulated under Virginia code §56-594 and applies to investor-owned utilities (Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power) as well as electric cooperatives. Here’s a brief overview of how it works:

System Capacity Limits

• Residential: Up to 25 kW
• Non-residential: Up to 3,000 kW
• Agricultural: Up to 500 kW (aggregated capacity)

Monthly Excess Generation Credit Rate

Homeowners and businesses are credited at the full retail rate for the solar energy they send back to the grid. This means they receive the same rate for the energy they export as they pay for the energy they consume.

For more on net metering in Virginia, including caps, standby charges, and more, here’s a helpful rundown from the nonprofit Solar United Neighbors: Net metering in Virginia

Virginia Net Metering Changes

Apples to Apples Analogy

To explain the changes, let’s start with an analogy.

Instead of selling you energy, let’s pretend the utilities want to sell you apples.

They charge $1 per apple. You start growing your own apples, and they agree to buy apples from you for the same price – $1 per apple.

Then they want to change the rules – Instead of paying you $1 for each of your apples, they want to pay you only $0.20 per apple – way less – but continue to charge you $1 for each apple they sell you.

It’s the same with energy. The utility used to offer a 1:1 rate, offering the same price for energy they sell you and energy you produce with your solar panels. Now they want to pay you less and charge you the same amount (more over time).

Who is protected from the changes?

There are two groups protected from the upcoming changes to net metering in Virginia:

• Income Eligible Customers: They will have the option to install solar under either the current rules or the new ones – whatever makes the most financial sense for them. 
• Early Adopters: Customers who install solar panels and connect to the grid before the SCC issues its final order will be grandfathered in under the existing net metering provisions. This means they will continue to get the full retail rate credit for the electricity they feed back to the grid.

What should I do about it?

If you install solar panels and connect to the grid before the SCC issues its final order, you’ll be grandfathered in under the current net metering rules. That means you’ll lock in the full retail rate credit for your solar energy and get the greatest return on your solar investment.

Don’t wait! Give us a call at 888-586-3343 or send us a message to schedule your solar consultation today:

Why are Virginia’s Net Metering Rules Changing?

The Technical Answer: The Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA)

The Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA) of 2020 was a milestone for solar advocates, setting the stage for a zero-carbon electricity sector by 2050 and removing lots of barriers to solar installation in Virginia. 

This legislation, along with the Solar Freedom Act, expanded net metering – allowing residents, businesses, and local governments to get full retail rate credits for excess electricity fed back to the grid, making solar power more affordable.

However … the VCEA also included a clause for reevaluating net metering. 

Starting in 2024 for Appalachian Power and 2025 for Dominion Energy, the State Corporation Commission (SCC) will reassess how new net metering customers are compensated. 

On May 6, 2024, the SCC directed these utilities to propose changes, with deadlines set for September 2024 for Appalachian Power and May 2025 for Dominion Energy. The proceedings will determine the future terms of net metering compensation and the payback for new solar installations in Virginia.

The Actual Answer: Money

It’s mostly about money.

Investor-owned utilities hate net metering because it gives them less control over customers and cuts into their profits from building new generation and transmission infrastructure. 

Instead of admitting this, the utilities argue that net metering creates a “cost shift,” making non-solar customers pay more to maintain the grid while solar customers benefit from free electricity.

That’s an argument that just isn’t supported by the vast majority of studies. For example, a study by the Maryland Public Service Commission found that solar customers actually subsidize their non-solar neighbors, contrary to the “cost shift” narrative.

What’s more, research shows that rooftop solar provides a range of other benefits, including grid relief, reduced need for new infrastructure, and broader societal advantages like energy security and reduced carbon emissions. 

Despite these benefits, our inverter-owned utilities have obligations to their stakeholders and continue to push the “cost shift” argument without substantial evidence, influencing legislators to consider potential changes to net metering policies.

The SCC’s upcoming evaluations will determine the compensation rates for net metering customers. These are decisions that will significantly impact the future of solar energy in Virginia.

In the long run, solar panels can save thousands on your energy bills and significantly boost your home’s value. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, for every $1 reduction in annual energy costs, a home’s value increases by about $20. We’re talking about a substantial financial gain.

Switching to solar also means that you’re using a clean, endless energy source – the sun – which offsets 85% of energy costs for average EDGE Energy solar customers. With the addition of battery storage, you’re even set during outages, maintaining power when the grid goes down.

Before you sign on with a solar installer, there are a few important points to consider.

First, pricing obviously matters, but be wary of unusually low prices. Seasoned installers understand the true costs of a proper solar installation. Newer companies, on the other hand, may offer lower prices because they either don’t know the true costs, or they’re really desperate for the business. 

Here’s the thing – many reputable installers won’t fix mistakes made by others. If your system isn’t installed correctly, you could find yourself covering the cost to remove the faulty panels and repair any damage before the new system can be installed.

If you choose an unreliable solar installer, your solar dream could quickly become a nightmare. This article will walk through the most important considerations and questions you should ask to find a reliable solar company in Virginia, Maryland, or Washington DC.

If you have questions about whether solar for your home, feel free to give us a call at 888-586-3343, or send us a message anytime.

What are the risks of choosing an unreliable solar company?

Damage to Your Roof

Assessing the roof’s capacity to handle the solar panels’ weight and pressure is essential before installation. If the panels are not properly mounted, there could be leakage and structural damage. Effective flashing and sealing are crucial to prevent these issues.

Issues with Wiring

Poor wiring practices can lead to serious electrical hazards, fire risks, or a loss of system performance. Additionally, wires that are exposed to sunlight, moisture, or sharp edges are prone to degradation or damage. To prevent these issues, it is critical to properly run, bundle, label, and connect your wires, ensuring they are well-protected against environmental factors.

Also, an inverter that isn’t compatible, properly set up, or correctly installed may fail to transform the DC electricity from the panels into AC for the grid or appliances. This can cause power reductions, overheating, or inverter malfunctions. To mitigate these risks, the inverter should be chosen to fit your system’s specifications and installed in an environment that is cool and has good ventilation.

Before the installation, make sure to ask the right questions. Proper due diligence before the project begins can prevent poor workmanship, leaks, or other basic errors that might lead to future complications.

Solar Contracts with Misleading Terms

Some solar companies may not be entirely forthright, presenting contracts that could overcharge you or fail to hold them accountable if the system underperforms.

Here are a few things to watch for in particular::

Complex Loan Terms: The conditions of solar loans can differ significantly, with terms stretching from 5 to 20 years. It’s important to scrutinize the interest rates, monthly payment details, and any potential increases in rates throughout the term to prevent unforeseen financial strains.

Warranty Restrictions: There’s considerable variation in solar warranties between providers. Some offer extensive long-term protection, while others may include hefty limitations. It’s really important to understand both the duration and extent of the warranty, as it will affect your ongoing maintenance expenses.

Ownership of Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs): SRECs can provide substantial financial benefits to solar system owners, especially in Washington DC. Be cautious of contracts where installers keep your SRECs or other incentives, which can greatly reduce your returns.

Conditions of Power Purchase Agreements (PPA): Carefully examine any PPA terms. Terms that are too restrictive can end up costing more than the system’s worth over its lifetime.

Realistic Energy Production Forecasts: Verify that the energy production estimates given by your installer are reasonable. Exaggerated predictions can result in dissatisfaction regarding both the system’s performance and its financial yield.

Questions to ask Solar Companies in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC

This set of questions is not meant to cover everything but will help you filter out solar companies that could cause serious issues. You’ll also find answers for our company, EDGE Energy, which has offices in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC, and is in the top 5% of solar installers nationally.

Feel free to call with any follow up questions: 888-586-3343.

How many years have you been in business?

How many solar installations have you completed? A solar company’s longevity is a good indicator of their ability to provide accurate project estimates and deliver on their commitments.

Choose established, financially stable manufacturers and installers like EDGE Energy. Companies that fail and close down can leave you without the support and warranty services you need.

EDGE Energy started installing solar panels in 2006. Since then, we’ve installed more than 5,000 solar energy systems in the DMV, all with a satisfaction guarantee.

Do you hold a NABCEP Certification?

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a nonprofit organization that provides certification programs for renewable energy professionals.

While the certification isn’t mandatory, it provides solar professionals with additional skills and knowledge that set them apart from others in the field. This certification adds to the state licensing requirements. It doesn’t take their place but improves the installer’s qualifications, giving them a distinct advantage in terms of expertise.

EDGE Energy stands out with a NABCEP Certification. Our certification number is: PV-041115-011277.

Do you hire subcontractors for any portion of the installation?

If yes, could you provide details about them? What qualifications do they hold?

It’s important to know who is showing up at your home. Seeing a vehicle with an unfamiliar company logo can be unsettling. It’s OK for your installer to use subcontractors—as many companies do for various projects—but it’s crucial that these subcontractors are properly qualified.

EDGE Energy is a vertically integrated company, which means we complete nearly all of the work ourselves. If we need a subcontractor to meet a deadline, we will notify you ahead of time, guaranteeing a smooth process with no unexpected surprises during your solar installation.

What type of equipment do you install?

Could you provide details about the solar panel and inverter brands you use? What are their warranty conditions? Please provide specific product models, and take the time to look up the manufacturers to assess their industry standing. Checking reviews and customer feedback can be informative.

Solar panels and inverters vary widely in quality. If a quote seems unusually low, it might be because the components offered are of inferior quality, which could lead to less reliable performance over the long term.

At EDGE Energy, we install SunPower solar panels, which come with a hassle-free 25-year warranty. SunPower panels are considered the best on the market, capable of producing 55% more energy in the same space than traditional panels.

Are you licensed and insured for solar installation and electrical work in Virginia, Maryland, or Washington D.C.?

It’s crucial that your contractor holds the necessary state licenses to adhere to local building regulations. Be sure to request their license number and confirm its validity through the appropriate state agency depending on the location of the installation:

• Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
• Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation
• D.C. Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection

It’s essential, and pretty much a given, not to go with a solar company unless they are fully licensed and insured.

EDGE Energy is fully licensed, bonded, and insured. We’re proud to have a clean record with no complaints. Feel free to look us up in Virginia (License #: 2705119932), Maryland (License #: 98688), or DC (License #: 69007081).

Do you partner with local energy programs, and can you help with tax credits?

We’re fortunate to have strong incentives and tax credits to offset the cost of installing solar panels in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC. 

However, if your solar installer lacks the necessary certifications or if they don’t design your system properly, you could miss out on serious savings.

Start by confirming that your installer is certified through the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy, the Maryland Energy Administration, or the District Department of Energy and Environment, depending on where you’re located.

EDGE Energy has helped homeowners claim more than $24 million in tax credits. This is a key part of the value we provide. Choosing EDGE Energy means that you get a partner who will help you to fully leverage the available tax credits, rebates, and incentives.

Solar Panel Installation in Virginia, Maryland, and DC: The Bottom Line

Don’t hesitate to ask plenty of questions to make sure you’re picking the right solar installer. Solar panels are a big deal and a big investment, so you definitely want to make sure they’re going to pay off like you expect.

If you have questions about solar for your home in Virginia, Maryland, or Washington DC, please give us a call at (888) 586-3343, We’re happy to help.