Shining the Light on Residential Solar Energy Systems Installations

When it comes to owning a home, you want to ensure it is safe, secure, and well-maintained to provide you with the optimal living space for you and your family.

Solar energy panels have become the modern way to upgrade property. Investing in a solar energy system is a big decision. There is a lot to consider, from sunlight predictability to savings. Significant benefits of solar power projects represent clean energy savings, not to mention keeping the lights on during power outages! However, solar energy doesn’t work for every roof type. Not every roof configuration is ideal for the maximum load of solar power generation and equipment weight or has the necessary space for fire safety access.    

“Solar energy contractors and the number of permit applications have risen tenfold in the past few years. As market demand increased, so has the volume of new contractors and consultants entering the solar energy market,” shared Wade A. Hugh, Director, Department of Development Services, in a press release. “We want to ensure all contractors and homeowners are familiar with the Prince William County solar energy systems installation process, as many entrepreneurs in this market are still acquiring knowledge and experience.”  

Finding the right installer can be a challenging process. In the past five years, solar energy contractors have increased from eight to eighty in Prince William County.  Making sure the contractor has all construction materials that have been planned for, saves time and money, and ensures the supply is readily available to complete your project in a timely manner.

Prince William County is viewed as a desirable location for solar projects, due to the County’s electrical infrastructure and geography. Over 20 solar energy project plans are approved in Prince William County each month, on average. To find out information on the most recent residential solar projects completed in the County visit: www.pwcva.gov/residentialsolar or click here to get the report.

Signed into law in 2020, Virginia Clean Economy Act established solar energy in the public interest, as well as applicant rights, safety, sustainability, and the benefits that solar projects represent. In the same year, the Prince William County Board of Supervisors adopted climate and resiliency goals and authorized the creation of a Community Energy and Sustainability Master Plan.

The Prince William County Department of Development Services is responsible for ensuring contractors meet current standard regulations, safety requirements, and supports these companies through the application submittal process. Our staff work in the best interests of Prince William County, its residents, customers, and the public to continually review regulations and guidelines, provide customer support, and reinforce safety requirements. Customers access ePortal for online submission of project documents and payments. Most recently, the County hosted the 2022 Solar Energy Installations Training Seminar dedicated to new solar energy entrepreneurs and contractors.

Prince William County also provides typical solar energy systems plans: Roof Mounted Solar Panels Structural Plans; Small, Single Inverter Systems Plans; and Small, Micro Inverter/AC System Plans to help expedite the process and offers Solar Energy Systems Tax Exemption.

For additional information please visit www.pwcv.gov/residentialsolar. If you have questions, reach out to the Department of Development Services at [email protected] or call (703) 792-6930.