Solar Panel Calculator for Virginia (VA)

Q: How many solar panels do I need in Virginia?

With 4.3 peak sun hours per day and 400W panels, a typical Virginia home using 8696 kWh/month needs approximately 211 panels (84.40 kW system). This accounts for an 80% system efficiency derate factor per industry standards.

Q: How much does solar cost in Virginia?

The average solar installation cost in Virginia is approximately $2.85 per watt before incentives. A 84.40 kW system costs about $240,540 before the 30% federal ITC, bringing the net cost to approximately $168,378.

Q: What is the solar payback period in Virginia?

Based on electricity rates of $0.138/kWh and 4.3 peak sun hours, a typical solar system in Virginia pays for itself in approximately 10.1 years. Over 25 years, estimated net savings is $250,214.

Q: Does Virginia have net metering?

Virginia net metering status: Yes. Contact your local utility for the most current export rates and program details.

Q: What solar incentives are available in Virginia?

Solar incentives in Virginia include: Federal ITC (30%), SREC program. Always verify current incentive availability with your installer and the DSIRE database.

Q: What wire size do I need for solar panels in Virginia?

Solar panel wiring must comply with NEC Article 690. Common sizes include 10 AWG for panel-to-combiner runs (up to 30A), 6 AWG for main DC runs, and appropriately sized AC wiring from inverter to panel. Use our Wire Size Calculator for exact sizing.

Calculate how many solar panels you need in Virginia, estimated costs after the 30% federal tax credit, payback period, and 25-year savings. Based on 4.3 peak sun hours/day and $0.138/kWh average electricity rate.

Peak Sun Hours

4.3 hrs/day

Avg Rate

$0.138/kWh

Net Metering

Yes

Solar Rank

#15/51

☀️ Virginia Solar Panel Calculator

Monthly Electricity Usage8,696 kWh

Panel Wattage400W

Desired Offset100%

Your Virginia Solar System

Panels Needed

211

System Size

84.40 kW

Annual Production

105,973 kWh

Gross Cost

$240,540

Federal ITC (30%)

-$72,162

Net Cost

$168,378

Annual Savings

$16,744/yr

Payback Period

10.1 years

25-Year Savings

$250,214

CO₂ Offset

69.9 tons/yr

Trees Equivalent

1,166/yr

💰 SREC Income: ~$2,119/year from Virginia's SREC program at $20/MWh

⚠️ Estimates only. Actual costs and production vary. Consult a licensed solar installer. NEC Article 690 compliance required.

Solar System Sizes by Usage in Virginia

Monthly kWh	Panels	System kW	Net Cost	Savings/yr	Payback
500 kWh	13	5.2	$10,374	$901	11.5 yrs
750 kWh	19	7.6	$15,162	$1,317	11.5 yrs
1,000 kWh	25	10.0	$19,950	$1,733	11.5 yrs
1,250 kWh	31	12.4	$24,738	$2,149	11.5 yrs
1,500 kWh	37	14.8	$29,526	$2,564	11.5 yrs
2,000 kWh	49	19.6	$39,102	$3,396	11.5 yrs
2,500 kWh	61	24.4	$48,678	$4,228	11.5 yrs

Based on 4.3 peak sun hours/day, $0.138/kWh, $2.85/W install cost, 80% derate. 30% federal ITC applied.

Complete Guide to Solar Panels in Virginia (2026)

Virginia receives an average of 4.3 peak sun hours per day, where high electricity rates can offset moderate sun hours. With average residential electricity rates of $0.138/kWh, solar offers long-term savings potential.

Solar Installation Costs in Virginia

The average cost to install solar panels in Virginia is $2.85 per watt before incentives. For a typical 8 kW system, that translates to approximately $22,800 gross, or $15,960 after the 30% federal ITC. Available incentives: Federal ITC (30%), SREC program.

Net Metering in Virginia

Virginia net metering status: Yes. Virginia expanded net metering and established SREC programs in the Virginia Clean Economy Act.

NEC Requirements for Solar in Virginia

All solar installations must comply with NEC Article 690 — Solar PV Systems. Key requirements:

NEC 690.8 — Circuit Sizing: PV conductors must carry at least 125% of maximum circuit current. For a 10A string, conductors must be rated for 12.5A minimum.

NEC 690.12 — Rapid Shutdown: Module-level shutdown must reduce voltage to 80V or less within 30 seconds. Critical for firefighter safety.

NEC 690.31 — Wiring Methods: USE-2 or PV Wire within the array; approved wiring methods (EMT, rigid conduit, MC cable) for building penetrations.

NEC 310.15 — Ampacity Derating: Conductors in conduit must be derated per Table 310.15(B)(3)(a). Account for seasonal temperature variations when sizing conductors. Use our Wire Size Calculator and Derating Calculator for proper sizing.

Solar Wire Sizing for Virginia

Panel strings to combiner box: Typically 10 AWG USE-2 or PV Wire for runs up to 100 feet. Use our Solar Wire Size Calculator to verify.

DC main run to inverter: Usually 6 AWG or 4 AWG THWN-2 in conduit. Keep DC voltage drop under 1.5% with our Voltage Drop Calculator.

AC from inverter to panel: A 7.6kW inverter on 240V draws ~32A, requiring a 40A breaker and 8 AWG copper minimum. Verify with our Breaker Size Calculator.

Environmental Impact

A 84.40 kW system in Virginia offsets approximately 69.9 metric tons of CO₂ per year, equivalent to planting 1,166 trees annually. Virginia grid carbon intensity: 0.66 lbs CO₂/kWh.

Disclaimer: Estimates only. Actual costs and production vary by roof orientation, shading, installer, and equipment. Consult a licensed solar installer in Virginia. NEC Article 690 compliance required for all installations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many solar panels do I need in Virginia?

How much does solar cost in Virginia?

What is the solar payback period in Virginia?

Does Virginia have net metering?

What solar incentives are available in Virginia?

What wire size do I need for solar panels in Virginia?

Top 10 Solar States Comparison

Rank	State	Sun Hours	Rate	Cost/Watt
#1	California	5.8	$0.267	$2.82
#2	Hawaii	5.2	$0.387	$3.35
#2	Texas	5.3	$0.134	$2.6
#3	Arizona	6.5	$0.134	$2.55
#4	Florida	5.5	$0.145	$2.6
#5	Nevada	6.2	$0.127	$2.55
#6	Massachusetts	3.8	$0.268	$3.2
#7	New Jersey	4.2	$0.175	$2.9
#8	New Mexico	6.2	$0.137	$2.75
#9	Colorado	5.5	$0.148	$2.9