Written by Deborah Arenstein, Solar Program Manager, Local Energy Alliance Program

I’d like to share a number of very compelling reasons why 2025 is the ideal time to look at adding solar panels to your home. Solarize Virginia is a no-cost, no obligation program administered by a nonprofit organization, Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP), that reduces the cost and complexity of going solar. The program runs through July 15, 2025 and I hope everyone will sign up for a free assessment and learn what going solar might mean for you — and your wallet — in the coming years.

Here are 4 reasons why I am encouraging everyone to consider solar in 2025:

1. There’s a 30% Federal Income Tax Credit available for homeowners who install and activate their system by Dec. 31, 2025.

Recently, the House of Representatives passed a draft budget bill that would eliminate the 30% Residential Solar Tax Credit (Section 25D) by the end of 2025. If enacted, this could have a significant impact on the affordability of solar — removing the ability of homeowners to obtain the 30% federal tax credit and diminishing the savings solar provides for homeowners.

Although industry advocates are fighting on multiple fronts, the residential credit could easily be eliminated or greatly reduced within months. However, if you install solar during the calendar year 2025, you can still take advantage of this tax credit! Installers have noted that getting in the queue for solar this summer will be critical, as the lead time it takes to get permits, schedule installation and get the system up and running requires about 4 months. Folks who decide later in the year to get solar might not be able to get their systems up and running by the deadline.

2. Electric providers are requesting huge increases in their rates.

Dominion just submitted for their largest rate hike in the last 30 years. Monthly Appalachian Power Company bills have increased by 35% since 2021. This isn’t slowing down. Energy demand from data centers is surging, and utilities are pushing those costs onto homeowners. Solar is a more affordable option than continuing to pay your utility provider for overpriced power.

3. Tariffs may increase the price of solar equipment.

As tariffs continue to be negotiated, it is likely that solar equipment will see an increase in pricing. One impact that seems clear so far, however, is that battery storage   is likely to take a significant hit from the latest tariffs, as the U.S. still relies heavily on importing them from China.

That being said, our Solarize team negotiated pricing for this campaign with our installers back in March 2025, and our pricing is locked in for all participants through July 15. By signing up and getting a proposal through Solarize, you are guaranteed pricing that will not increase, no matter how the market for solar supplies fluctuates over the next few months.

4. The current net metering credit ratio is at risk.

Virginia’s State Corporation Commission is reviewing requests from Dominion and Appalachian Power Company to reduce net metering reimbursement. Current net metering customers receive a 1:1 energy credit for any electricity they send back to the grid, for future use. New proposals reduce that rate significantly and then customers will not receive the full “energy credit” for power they are producing and not consuming. However, they’ve proposed that those with systems installed before changes take place will continue to receive the full retail rate, while those who wait could see a decline in their return on investment. Changes may not take effect in 2025, but bundling this incentive with others that are more likely to happen in 2025 means that going solar this year makes the most financial sense for homeowners!

I hope this information is helpful, and I encourage everyone to get more information about their home’s solar potential. You’ve got nothing to lose when you sign up for Solarize — you are under no obligation until you sign a contract with one of our vetted installers. 

I’m available to answer your questions at any time during the process. And you can add our negotiated discount pricing (10-20% below market rate for Solarize participants) to your list of reasons why 2025 is THE year for solar!

Want to learn more?

Make plans to attend a free information session on Monday, June 30 from 6 -7 p.m. at the Chantilly Regional Library. Registration is encouraged but not required to attend!