Norfolk, VA, is one of the most interesting cities to live and work in. The beautiful waterfront city boasts a rich history, amazing outdoor fun opportunities, scenic landscapes, vibrant downtown, and charming neighborhoods. While the city attracts people because of its charm and beauty, there’s a hidden advantage homebuyer discover later. Norfolk has great potential for residential solar panel installation & solar energy which is a smart reason to settle here.
The city is among the 4,000 Tree City USA communities working to keep the Green Title. The passing of the Virginia Clean Economy Act of 2020 has boosted the solar energy industry. With over 200 sunlight days every year, the city, like many other parts of Virginia, offers a perfect destination for residential solar panel installations.
Residential Solar in Norfolk
Do you plan to go solar but don’t know where to start? Read on to find out more about residential solar panel installation in Norfolk, VA.
What Affects Residential Solar Panel Installation?
Every solar panel installation project is unique. A Norfolk solar panel installer first evaluates your home for different things to confirm the cost and magnitude of the project. Some factors that affect residential solar panel installation include:
1. Home Energy Requirements
Before solar panel installation, your solar contractor carries out an energy audit. The assessment helps confirm how much solar power you need. The audit helps determine the number of solar panels suitable for your home.
2. Location of Your Home
Solar panels work optimally with maximum exposure to solar radiation. The inclination of your roof and the presence of obstacles affect the efficiency of your solar panels. Your solar installation company clears such obstructions to improve the functioning of the panels.
3. Cost of Solar Panel Installation
The cost of solar panel installation covers the cost of hardware and labor. The average cost of a solar panel in Virginia is $2.98/W. The average cost of residential solar panel installation varies depending on the size of the system your home needs.
Why Go Solar in Norfolk, VA?
Over the last two decades, the global focus on renewable energy has intensified. The government now invests more in renewable energy with solar being the most common. While the debilitating effects of global warming fuel the debate for cleaner energy, there are many other benefits of going solar. As a homeowner in the city, some reasons to switch to solar in Norfolk include:
1. Cutting Your Energy Bill
Solar panel installation is one of the smartest investments in your home. Solar panels generate clean and cheap energy from the sun. With the right solar panel array, you can reduce reliance on national grid electricity and cut your energy bill significantly. The best solar panel systems now come with powerful energy storage units, which can help you go fully solar.
2. Increasing Property Value
The changing demographics of homebuyers have changed the profile of in-demand properties in demand. Millennials are now in control of home buying and these young buyers are more conscious about health, wellness, and the environment. Energy-efficient features like solar increase your home value and you get a bigger valuation when selling or refinancing.
3. Enjoying Energy Independence
Virginia might not have a big problem with power outages but freak weather causes such incidents. With a solar panel system, you make your home energy independent. You enjoy peace of mind knowing power outages won’t affect your family’s comfort.
4. Saving Planet Earth
The devastation caused by reliance on fossil fuels is now closer to home. Extreme weather events are more common than ever in the country and scientists link this to emissions caused by fossil fuels. By switching to solar energy, you make a small albeit critical contribution to environmental conservation.
5. Solar Energy Incentives
Solar Incentives and rebates reduce the cost of solar panel systems in Norfolk, VA. These incentives include:
- 26% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
- Dominion Net Metering
- Residential Property Tax Exemption
These solar power incentives reduce the total installation cost by thousands of dollars. You also have different options for solar financing, including buying in cash, leasing, and financing by your solar energy installation company.
If you want to go solar in Norfolk, VA, contact our certified solar contractors for a free estimate at 602-321-5403.