Virginia Community Solar

Save 15% on electricity costs*

  • No rooftop panels
  • No sign-up fees
  • No long-term contracts
  • No cancellation fees
*Savings vary by state
What is Virginia Community Solar?

What is Virginia Community Solar?

Community solar in Virginia is a subscription-based service that enables Dominion Energy customers, residents and businesses alike, to tap into clean, renewable energy. There are two primary community solar programs in Virginia—the Dominion Community Solar Pilot Program, and Dominion Shared Solar. Nexamp’s community solar projects in Virginia are through Dominion’s Shared Solar program. Virginia community solar programs leverage local, large-scale solar arrays sited throughout the state, which generate clean energy for the local power grid. Virginia residents who subscribe to these solar farms see annual electricity cost savings on their electricity bills, while the grid is supported by an influx of clean, renewable energy.

How does community solar work in Virginia?

How does community solar work in Virginia?

Nexamp currently has community solar projects in the Dominion Energy utility service territory. Residents in this utility service area can subscribe to a Nexamp community solar farm and save 15% annually on their electricity costs without changing electricity providers. 

A subscription to a Nexamp community solar farm allows Virginia residents to receive credits on their electricity bill for the energy produced by their share of the project, saving them up to 15%* on electricity costs. Right now, we’re prioritizing sign-ups for income eligible households. If you don't fall within this category, we cannot guarantee that we can find you a place on a farm.

*Price for the subscription does not include charges to be billed by the utility including a net crediting fee not to exceed 1% of the bill credit value.

Here’s the step-by-step breakdown of how it works!

Sign up to claim your spot

Provide some basic information and your utility account details.

Get assigned to a farm

As soon as a spot opens up, we’ll add you to a farm. We’ll subscribe you to the right amount of solar shares based on your electricity needs.

Save on electricity costs

You’ll get a discount on your utility bill in the form of credits. Pay Nexamp for these credits at a discount, helping you save.

Community solar vs. rooftop solar in Virginia

When considering which solar solution might be right for you, it's important to understand the differences between community solar and rooftop solar. The table below breaks down the key differences between these two options.

Nexamp Community Solar Virginia Rooftop Solar
Upfront cost No upfront cost High upfront cost
Cost savings Lower long-term savings Higher long-term savings
Maintenance No maintenance required; farms are maintained by Nexamp Homeowner is responsible for all maintenance
Accessibility Available to renters and homeowners Available only to homeowners with a suitable roof
Tax incentives Subscribers are not eligible for solar tax incentives Tax incentives are available

Property value impact

No impact on property value for subscribers Can help increase property value

Who can sign up for community solar in Virginia?

Homeowners
Renters
Income eligible households
Businesses
Schools and universities
Hospitals
Religious Organizations
Municipalities

Customer Reviews

Why Nexamp?

Nexamp Community Solar doesn’t require a credit check to enroll, there are no upfront costs, and there is no fee to cancel. We make it easy for homeowners, renters, small businesses, and others to participate in our Community Solar program and save 15% on their annual electricity costs.

Check availability now

FAQs: Community Solar in Virginia

What is the history of community solar and community solar legislation in Virginia ?

In 2020, the passage of SB 629 and HB 1634 enabled third-party solar developers to build and operate community solar arrays up to 5 MW in Dominion Energy territory provided that 30% of subscribers were income eligible.

Known as “Shared Solar” the establishment ofVirginia’s program was a significant turning point for solar accessibility, despite its slow implementation. Regulatory and cost-related roadblocks have sparked advocacy efforts to ensure that community solar can grow as an accessible and cost-effective option in Virginia. 

What is the structure of Virginia community solar? 

Virginia community solar projects have a strong emphasis on accessibility, with a requirement that at least 30% of subscribers be classified as income eligible. Shared solar projects in Virginia help subscribers offset their electricity costs. Subscribers who do not qualify as income-eligible are subject to the minimum bill charge, which is imposed by the State Corporation Commission (SCC). This approximately $55 monthly charge covers utility infrastructure and service costs. 

Income Eligible Shared Solar 

Shared Solar projects that focus on income eligible subscribers may qualify for incentives and adders that make participation in community solar more affordable. Income-eligible focused projects often prioritize community partnerships and outreach. Income eligible subscribers are also exempt from the SCC minimum bill charge.