The Solar Secret Leesburg Homeowners Don’t Want Their Neighbors to Know
So you’ve noticed more and more solar panels popping up on rooftops around Leesburg lately. As a long-time solar installer in the area, I’ve seen a huge surge in interest from Leesburg homeowners looking to break free from expensive electric bills. And with electricity rates constantly going up, you’re wondering if now is the time to join your neighbors and go solar, especially with today’s high interest rates.
The big question is, does solar make sense for YOUR home and budget? In this article, I’ll go over all the key factors to help you decide if solar is right for you. Let’s dive in!
Solar Adoption is Growing in Leesburg
Virginia is one of the fastest growing solar markets in the U.S., and Leesburg is helping lead the way. Over the past few years, the number of local homes powered by the sun has absolutely exploded.
Leesburg has always been one of our strongest sources of new customers. And many of our customers are saving big on their energy bills. Most are producing 60-100% of their electricity needs, slashing their bills by over $100-175 per month.
With state and federal incentives, now is a great time to go solar in Virginia. You can get back 30% of the system cost through federal tax credits. Additionally, Leesburg customers get paid about $4.5c/kWh for their production by selling Solar Renewable Energy Credits.
Top Reasons Leesburg Homeowners Choose Solar
What’s driving all these folks to install solar panels? Here are the top motivations we hear from customers:
Lower Electric Bills
This is arguably the #1 reason people go solar. Solar panels produce free renewable energy from the sun once installed. So you’ll reduce your electric bill significantly, especially during sunny months. Any excess energy your panels produce gets fed back into the grid for bill credits which can be used at any time during the year – even during the winter when there are few hours of sun during the day.
For many of our customers, their new electric bill is about $10/month, which is mostly attributable to Dominion’s customer service charge.
Energy Independence
Tired of unpredictable electric bills that seem to creep higher every year? With solar, you take control of your electricity costs by sourcing your own power. This energy independence gives homeowners serious peace of mind.
No more worrying about rate hikes. In 2020, Dominion projected that their rates would increase by 45% through 2030. Since 2020, rates have already increased by 18%. By Dominion’s own projections, over 25 years, solar panels can save the average Leesburg homeowner over $50,000!
It’s Good for the Environment
Solar is one of the greenest ways to power your home. Each kilowatt of solar energy you produce offsets CO2 emissions from fossil fuels. Going solar is a smart move if you want to reduce your carbon footprint and environmental impact.
Potential to Increase Home Value
Multiple studies show that solar adds value to a home, especially in markets with high electricity rates like Virginia. Buyers are willing to pay a premium for lower utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint. According to Zillow, which tracks millions of home transactions, homes with solar sell for 4.1% more than homes without, all else being equal.
Research also shows that homes with solar sell faster. Chances are that you’ll find a buyer who will be thrilled to reap the benefits of your existing solar panels!
What to Consider Before Going Solar in Leesburg
Alright, hopefully I’ve got you pumped about the potential of solar! But it’s not the right choice for every home. Before moving forward, here are some key things to look at:
Your Roof’s Direction, Pitch and Shading
For optimal solar production, your roof needs ample direct sunlight, facing south if possible.
Solar can work on any pitch, but low-sloped roofs are especially economical to work with.
The key is avoiding excessive shading from trees or other buildings, which can significantly reduce output. If shade covers more than 25% of your roof for long periods, solar may not pencil out.
Upfront Costs and Incentives
You’ll need to pay around $15,000-$45,000 to purchase and install a solar system. This depends on your home’s power needs, as well as the size, slope, and shape of your roof. But incentives can reduce your out-of-pocket costs substantially.
For instance, the federal solar tax credit allows you to deduct 30% of the system cost from your taxes, so you get that back within a year or so. Then Virginia’s market-based production incentives, known as SRECs, will help you pay the remaining cost of the system over time.
And you can finance your system to avoid the upfront cost. The most popular loans have 20 or 25-year terms (25 years matches the system’s warranty period), so that monthly payments are usually less than what you currently pay for electricity. Even if there are no savings in the near term, buying a solar electric system locks in your payments, essentially halting energy price inflation. Your future self will be grateful for the investment you make today in solar!
Net Metering Policies
Net metering ensures you get full credit from the utility for excess energy your solar panels deliver to the grid. This helps offset the power you use at night or on cloudy days.
Dominion Energy allows you to carry over your net metering credits for 2 years. That means you don’t want to size your system to produce more than 100% of your historical usage, unless you are also converting your heating, cooking, and/or transportation to electricity.
Monitoring System Production
Modern solar systems come with intuitive monitoring software. This lets you view your real-time energy production, historical data, and exactly how much power your panels are offsetting, individually and as a system. You’ll know if any one of your panels isn’t producing as it should.
Monitoring helps ensure your system is performing as it should. It also allows you to manage your usage habits to maximize solar self-consumption.
Questions to Ask Installers Before Committing
Once you’ve weighed the key factors above, it’s smart to get quotes from multiple solar companies. Here are some important questions to ask:
– How long have you been in business and how many installations have you completed?
– What specific solar panels, inverters, and racking do you use? Why?
– Can you explain all the payment and financing options?
– Do you handle permits and inspections to get my system approved?
– What warranties do you provide on equipment and workmanship for the components and for the system as a whole?
– Will you show me energy production projections for my home?
A reputable installer will have no problem answering all these questions clearly and transparently. This gives you confidence in their experience, quality of components, and expected system output.
Get Free Quotes from Leesburg Solar Companies
Now you’re equipped with the key facts about solar! If you think it makes sense, the next step is getting quotes from local providers.
**Our Leesburg solar team offers free, no-obligation site evaluations.** We’ll assess your roof, shade, and electricity usage to design a custom system and pricing package. There’s no risk or commitment to move forward.
Click below to schedule your solar assessment today! Going solar could be one of the wisest decisions you make as a Leesburg homeowner.
https://vellcosolarcompany.com/contact-us/schedule-consultation/
Solar Power in Leesburg: FAQs
Still have some questions about solar in Leesburg? Here I’ll answer some of the most common questions homeowners have:
How much do solar panels cost in Leesburg?
The average cost to install solar panels on a Leesburg home is $19,000 – $39,000 before incentives. But prices vary based on system size, roof factors, and equipment packages. Get multiple quotes to find the best value.
Does Leesburg get enough sun for solar?
Absolutely! Northern Virginia averages 4-5 hours of peak sunlight per day. This gives solar panels ample opportunity to produce clean energy all year long.
How long do solar panels last in Leesburg?
Today’s solar panels have a guaranteed lifespan of 25-30 years, and can be expected to last much longer. Panels degrade gradually over time, but still produce about 85% of their original output at the end of their warranty period.
Will solar work on my roof?
Unless your roof is heavily shaded, solar will likely work for you! Panels can be installed on shingle, tile, metal, and flat roof types of any age. Proper engineering ensures your roof can support the additional weight. We don’t install on stone slate or tile roofs, but we can work on faux slate.
What are the steps to install solar in Leesburg?
Plan on 2 to 3 months from signature to solar power on. The solar installation takes just 1-2 days, but the site evaluation, permitting, electrical engineering, roof modifications, and inspections take longer. A good company will make the process smooth and easy for you.
Conclusion: Why Choose Vellco Solar Company
So is solar power right for your home in Leesburg? I hope this article gives you the information you need to decide. If you’re ready to start generating your own clean energy from the sun, I highly recommend connecting with the team at Vellco Solar Company. We have the region’s best installers, which is important because the installation crew is the weakest link for many companies – especially for larger companies with high technical staff turnover. And the transferable, 25-year system warranty is second-to-none.
Vellco has extensive experience designing and installing solar systems for homeowners throughout Northern Virginia, including right here in Leesburg. Our solar consultants will assess your specific energy needs and home requirements in order to create a customized system proposal.
To get started with a free quote from Vellco Solar, visit their website at https://vellcosolarcompany.com/locations/leesburg-virginia/. Going solar with a trusted local provider like Vellco is the smart choice. You’ll enjoy lower electric bills, energy independence, and environmental benefits for years to come. The sun is shining bright on Leesburg – it’s time to harness its power!
