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With a 30% Federal Tax Credit Expiring, Now May be Best Time to Go Solar
Solarize Virginia has extended its sign-up deadline to August 15, 2025, providing homeowners and businesses with additional time to secure solar installations by year’s end. Switch Together, another solar group purchasing program, will launch its latest campaign on July 23 and will accept sign-ups through September 3, 2025.
Residents who join either program can get a free assessment and take advantage of discounted rates, access to trusted installers, educational events, and ongoing support throughout the process to ensure a seamless experience, from the initial consultation to installation. Registration is free and there’s no obligation to proceed with an installation.
In light of the federal tax credit, possible net metering changes, discounted pricing and rising electricity rates, homeowners who delay may miss the opportunity to take full advantage of the biggest incentives available for going solar:
Solar systems installed by December 31, 2025 are still eligible for the 30 percent federal income tax credit, a significant savings opportunity that will no longer be available starting in 2026 due to recent changes in federal legislation. But time is running out: with installation timelines stretching to 3-4 months and increasing demand across Virginia, residents are encouraged to sign a contract by the end of August to ensure completion by year’s end.
Virginia residents are also facing significant increases in electricity rates. By going solar now, homeowners can sharply reduce their power bills in the future.
The current net metering rates are at risk. Dominion Energy has proposed reducing these credits starting in 2026. Systems installed by the end of this year will be grandfathered into current rules, receiving a full 1:1 energy credit for the electricity they send back to the grid.
Fairfax County also offers incentives for solar, such as waived permit fees and a 5-year solar energy equipment property tax exemption. Visit Going Solar in Fairfax County to learn more.
Solarize Virginia is a community-based outreach initiative managed by the Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Charlottesville, Va., that makes solar energy more accessible and affordable. For more information, visit www.SolarizeVa.org
“We’ve seen firsthand the positive impact that going solar has on households and the environment,” Katie VanLangen, Co-Executive Director of LEAP and long-time leader of the Solarize Program, states. “By switching now, Virginians can lock in significant savings and protect themselves from rising utility rates, all while contributing to climate goals.
Switch Together is supported by a partnership between national nonprofit Solar United Neighbors and multiple cities and counties throughout the United States. As well as making rooftop solar installations more affordable, Switch Together offers home battery storage and EV chargers easier to access. The program offers a reverse auction with qualified installers who compete to offer their most competitive prices. The most recent auction secured an average discount of $6,958. For more information, visit SwitchTogether.com/Solar/FairfaxCounty
Fairfax County is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Environmental Excellence Awards, a prestigious award that recognizes exceptional commitment to environmental stewardship.
Each year the Environmental Excellence Awards honors those who have made significant contributions towards protecting, improving, and educating about the natural world in Fairfax County. The awards are open to individual residents, organizations, businesses, and county employees whose contributions include:
Advancing or supporting the county's environmental goals and policies
Dedicating personal time and expertise beyond their usual fiscal or civic responsibilities
Demonstrating leadership and serving as role models for others
Administered by the Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC) on behalf of the Board of Supervisors, with support from the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination, the awards aim to motivate and inspire continued dedication to environmental sustainability within the community.
To be eligible for the 2025 awards, nominees' achievements should be within the period from June 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025, or span multiple years that include a portion of this timeframe.
To submit a nomination, please complete the online form by August 8, 2025.
SUBMIT A NOMINATION
For more information about the awards and to view past winners, please visit the Environmental Excellence Awards page.
The Charge Up Fairfax program is now accepting applications on a rolling basis! The program is designed to help common-interest communities and other organizations install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, improving local air quality and driving us toward a more sustainable future.
This year, the program has introduced three key changes:
Applications are now being accepted continuously, making it easier than ever to participate.
Reimbursement grant amounts have been increased, offering greater financial support for those looking to install EV charging stations.
Eligibility has expanded beyond homeowner and condo owner associations to include places of worship and other non-profit organizations, recognizing their critical role in providing EV charging access to staff and guests while attending services or events.
With these changes, more organizations can now benefit from technical and financial assistance to install EV charging stations.
“EVs have no tailpipe emissions which means cleaner air to breathe along roadways and in neighborhoods and fewer greenhouse gas emissions which cause climate change”, said John Morrill, director of the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination. “By making EV charging more accessible, we are taking a significant step toward our goal for carbon neutrality by 2050 and for a healthier, more sustainable Fairfax for all.”
“We look forward to seeing more communities and organizations join us in this important effort."
Since the program's inception in 2023, 16 communities have participated in the program. Four communities have successfully completed their charging station installations, with the two most recent groups being:
Westwood Village Unit Owners Association, Vienna: Installed two dual-port chargers and are eligible to receive a $5,000 reimbursement.
Reflection Homes Association, Herndon: As the first community located in an equity-designated area, RHA received a $10,000 reimbursement to install a dual-port charging station.
Ribbon cutting at Reflection Homes Association's new dual-port charging station, installed with the support of Charge Up Fairfax
These installations mark significant milestones in the county's ongoing efforts to encourage EV adoption by expanding community EV charging infrastructure.
Michael H., president of Reflection Homes Association and an EV owner, said the funding and technical guidance provided by the program were key in convincing the board to consider installing EV chargers. He said the installation of chargers will help incentivize more residents of the neighborhood to consider buying an EV, which is good for the environment.
Penderbrook Community Association in Springfield District was another recent success story — installing 4 dual port chargers for their community of over 1,700 single family homes, townhouses and condos. Not only is it a significant benefit to the residents, but it is also an amenity for the guests who use the HOA’s golf course, said David Braun, president of the board of directors.
Braun said the Charge Up Fairfax program was particularly instrumental in helping the community navigate the regulatory process and coordinate with the various stakeholders.
“Having someone that could shepherd us through that was really important to us, and we felt like Fairfax County was a good partner,” Braun said.
Organizations interested in applying for the Charge Up Fairfax program can now do so. The program offers flexible options, including a grant-only program, a full-service program, and a combination with Dominion Energy’s Level 2 EV Charging Program, to suit the diverse needs of applicants.
Organizations that are accepted into the program will receive a site visit and assessment from an engineering firm, paid for by Fairfax County. If the organization decides to proceed with the purchase and installation of Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations, the organization will hire a contractor to perform the necessary permitting, electrical upgrades, installation of equipment and final inspection.
For more information about the Charge Up Fairfax program, application details, and to sign up for updates, please visit the website or email OEECElectricVehicles@fairfaxcounty.gov