- Do I need to own my home to qualify for this program?
- Yes, the owner of the home must be the one to apply for the installation of solar panels. Residents who rent their home are encouraged to discuss the opportunity with their landlord or property’s owner.
- Where does the funding for the program come from?
- As part of a White Oak Technology Park rezoning, the county secured $5 million to support the installation of solar panels at homes throughout the community that will go toward residential solar. Henrico is focused on providing the greatest benefit to our low-income residents. None of the funding for this program comes out of taxes from residents.
- How can people be assured this is a legitimate program?
- Dominion has been installing solar systems on residential and commercial properties in Virginia for more than 10 years. Henrico partnered with Dominion for the Solar Access Henrico program to extend solar access to homeowners. In short, the county organizes the funding through our Solar Access Henrico program, and Dominion installs the systems.
Dominion’s technicians are certified with the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners’ Solar PV Installation Professional Certification. Additionally, Dominion’s team verifies that all subcontracted installers have the necessary state and local business licenses for solar panel systems.
- Dominion has been installing solar systems on residential and commercial properties in Virginia for more than 10 years. Henrico partnered with Dominion for the Solar Access Henrico program to extend solar access to homeowners. In short, the county organizes the funding through our Solar Access Henrico program, and Dominion installs the systems.
- How long can homeowners expect their panels to last?
- The solar panel systems installed through this program have an average lifespan of 20 years.
- Will trees on my property affect my eligibility?
- Roof panels do not need 100% sun exposure throughout the entire day to power the system. However, if your home is shaded for most of the day, then the panels will not get enough sun for solar power. Technicians can perform a complementary analysis to see if solar is a good fit for your home.
- Roof panels do not need 100% sun exposure throughout the entire day to power the system. However, if your home is shaded for most of the day, then the panels will not get enough sun for solar power. Technicians can perform a complementary analysis to see if solar is a good fit for your home.
- Is my roof suitable for solar panels?
- Before installing a solar panel system, you should consider the condition of your roof. The panels sit on top of the roofing material, so making sure the material is not in need of replacement or repair is important before installing a solar power system.
The roofing material also matters for solar installation; wooden materials splinter, and slate and tile roofs inhibit the anchors needed to keep the panels in place. What types of roof are best suited for solar?
Lastly, the position and tilt of your roof may affect the efficiency of a solar system. Large, southern-facing sections allow access to the sun’s rays throughout the day. Flat or steep roofs might require more space for the panels to be tilted.
- Before installing a solar panel system, you should consider the condition of your roof. The panels sit on top of the roofing material, so making sure the material is not in need of replacement or repair is important before installing a solar power system.
- How many solar panels will I need for my home?
- As a part of your free consultation, a solar panel system will be designed for each home. The design will take into account the size of the home, the condition and position of the roof, the amount of sun and shade the home experiences throughout the day and more.
If you have any other questions about how the program works, please contact Samantha Hudson, Henrico County Sustainability Director, by email at [email protected].