Determine if solar is a good fit for YOU

If you are serious about how you can change your home electrical generation to rooftop solar, you have probably logged on to other company’s websites and been met with the “Answer these three question to see if your home qualifies” pop-ups.

You won’t find that at RVA Home Solar, because 1) everyone’s situation, structure, and electrical usage is different, and 2) the process for qualification is much more involved then three simple questions can determine.

We are independent solar consultants. WE WORK FOR YOU. There is no cost to you for our services.
Click here for Just the Facts on Solar
Initial Assessment – you and your home
  1. RVA Home Solar uses satellite imagery (Google Sunroof app) to determine how many sunlight hours your roof receives each year. There is no minimum number as your current electrical usage determines your future solar benefit. However, if you have heavy tree cover, you may have to remove limbs or whole trees to qualify.
  2. RVA Home Solar comes to your house and conducts a preliminary home survey where we verify the satellite information and also do a visual inspection of your roof, your electrical panel, and the area around your house.
  3. You provide a copy of your current electric bill (within the last 6 months) so RVA Home Solar can input that information into our analysis software.
  4. Once RVA Home Solar has the above information, we create a schematic of your roof and create a solar array plan that will provide up to 150% of your electric needs.
  5. RVA Home Solar provides a thorough presentation that shows the possible solar production and cost of the system. We will educate you on the pros and cons – including the 26% federal tax credit available through 2022, the Virginia carbon credit rebates, and the increase in home value that solar provides upon selling your house.
  6. You will approve the solar plan, the panel layout, and the potential energy generation.
  7. You decide how you wish to pay for the system, whether it is to purchase it outright or finance. You will fill out a purchase agreement and RVA Home Solar will run a credit check on you. Almost always the cost of the system is equal to or less than your current electric bill – and this monthly payment will not increase at 3 – 4% a year as your Dominion Energy bill will.
  8. You will participate in a 5 minute Welcome Call with our office.
  9. RVA Home Solar will perform an Engineering Review of your home which will form the basis for the upcoming permitting requirements with your local government and Dominion Energy.
Permits and Permissions

If there are no issues discovered in the Initial Assessment and Engineering Review (or if those can be corrected i.e. roof repairs, electrical upgrades, too much shade, credit issues), RVA Home Solar will manage all aspects of meeting the permitting regulations in your area.

  1. RVA Home Solar will submit Building Permits to your local government.
  2. If your home is in an HOA, RVA Home Solar will assist you with submitting any paperwork.
  3. RVA Home Solar will submit Interconnect paperwork to Dominion Energy.
  4. Once all permits and permissions are received, RVA Home Solar will schedule the installation of your system with our partner Powur Solar.

The Initial Assessment, usage analysis, and Engineering Review typically takes from 1 to 2 weeks. The Permitting and Permissions process typically requires 6 to 8 weeks. There is still the possibility that your application will be disqualified by either your government’s Permit office or by Dominion Energy because of their infrastructure. RVA Home Solar will do all we can to resolve any issues at this point.

Installation
  1. RVA Home Solar will schedule a day to accomplish your installation. Installation typically requires just one day. All installation techs are employees of Sunrun Solar. No subcontractors are ever used for your solar system installation.
  2. RVA Home Solar will install the necessary electrical relays and monitors that will allow you to see and manage your system in real time.
  3. RVA Home Solar will communicate with Dominion Energy to install your new Net Metering meter. Installation can take a few days to a few weeks.
  4. Dominion Energy will issue a PTO order – Permission to Operate, and your solar system will be live and generating electricity within 24 hours.
  5. Begin monitoring your electricity production through your Solar app!
Manage Your System
  1. Once installed and activated, your solar system will require no more work or attention from you than your current electrical setup with Dominion Energy.
  2. Your panels will not need regular maintenance or cleaning as normal wind and rain will naturally clear dust and debris from the panels.
  3. Should you have any questions or needs, you will have a single point of contact throughout the entire process and after installation in your Account Executive.
Affordable. Dependable. Renewable. Energy.