Henrico County’s Sustainability Division is committed to providing information and resources to residents interested in installing solar. Check out this webpage to learn more about rooftop solar, Solarize Virginia, Solar Access Henrico, and balcony solar.
Switching to solar energy can be a great way to help reduce your emissions and your electricity bill. Solar works by absorbing energy from the sun and turning it into energy that can be used to power homes and businesses. Solar power from the sun is renewable and a free resource, which helps residents save money on their energy bills. Visit the U.S. Department of Energy’s website to learn more about how solar power works.
Use the links below to learn more about solar energy, how to go solar, and how to measure your home’s potential solar energy performance.
- Virginia Department of Energy Solar Website
- U.S. Department of Energy, Solar Energy Website
- U.S. Department of Energy, What to Know When Going Solar
- U.S. Department of Energy, Tips for Choosing a Solar Installer
- Solar Energy Industries Association, Resources for Solar Customers
- Google’s Project Sunroof
- National Laboratory of the Rockies’ PVWatts Calculator
- Solar United Neighbors
Permitting
Henrico County provides information on the permitting required for solar system installations and inspections. Build Henrico’s Electrical Permit webpage outlines the permitting instructions and requirements for residential solar arrays. The website also states specific requirements for what to include in the permit application.
Solar Access Henrico
Henrico County has partnered with Dominion Energy to provide free solar panels to low-income residents’ homes to help lower their electric bills. Homeowners must qualify for the program in order to receive the solar panels. Click here to learn more about Solar Access Henrico.
Solarize Virginia
Solarize Virginia is a program run by the Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP). It aims to provide information and resources to Virginians interested in switching to solar. Program participants will also receive discounted prices from Solarize Virginia’s installers. Program participants can choose whether they would like to purchase solar panels or lease them. To learn more about Solarize Virginia and sign up for their program, visit their website.
Balcony Solar
In 2026, the Virginia General Assembly passed Senate Bill 250/House Bill 395, which allows Virginians to install plug-in solar panels in their homes or apartments to help reduce their electricity bills. The legislation will go into effect on January 1, 2027. The legislation also requires the Secretary of Commerce and Trade to convene a stakeholder work group to review safety standards and publish their findings by November 15, 2026.
Plug-in solar is often referred to as balcony solar. The legislation prohibits municipal utilities, electric cooperatives, and investor-owned utilities from charging fees to connect the panels to the grid. Residents should talk with their landlord, homeowners association, and electric utility before installing the panels to make sure that they are properly installed and connected to the grid.
Use the links below to learn more about balcony solar and what to expect in the next few months as the legislation goes into effect.
Samantha Hudson, AICP, LEED AP
Sustainability Division Director
[email protected]