What going solar actually looked like for one Virginia family
A real Sandston, VA household walks through the decisions, the quotes, the mistakes they dodged, and the numbers — twelve months in.
The Johnson Family
Sandston, Virginia — Henrico County, Dominion Energy territory.
“Think of it as locking in your energy costs for the next 10 years.”
Solar in Virginia, by the numbers
Before making any decisions, the Johnsons needed to understand what solar actually looks like in the Commonwealth.
| Factor | Virginia Reality |
|---|---|
| Utility Provider | Dominion Energy — one of the largest in the US |
| Net Metering | Available under the RPS law |
| Average Sun Hours | 4.5 peak sun hours per day |
| State Incentive | No direct state tax credit currently |
| Federal Tax Credit | 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC) still available |
| Average System Cost | $25,000 – $35,000 before incentives |
| Payback Period | Typically 9 – 13 years |
“Energy prices today are the cheapest they'll ever be.”
What they did right
Four deliberate steps, taken in order, that shaped the entire outcome.
Got the roof checked first
A 12-year-old roof got inspected and two sections replaced before a single solar quote came in — avoiding the far more expensive fix of pulling panels later for roof work.
Cost: $3,200 upfrontGot three separate quotes
Rather than signing with the first company that knocked on the door, they let three installers pitch, then compared line by line. Quotes landed at $28,400, $31,000, and $34,500 for a comparable 10kW system — they took the established mid-tier bid.
Saved $9,000+ by shopping aroundRefused in-house financing
The highest-quoting rep pushed hard on their own financing. The Johnsons used a home equity line of credit at 6.9% instead.
Saved an est. $4,100 in interestUnderstood net metering, in writing
A direct call to Dominion Energy confirmed excess generation is credited at the retail rate in their territory — the detail that made the whole economics work.
Before and after
| System Cost (after 30% ITC) | $21,700 net |
| Estimated Payback Period | 11.1 years |
| 25-Year Savings Estimate | $48,900+ |
The 30% federal Investment Tax Credit reduced their out-of-pocket cost significantly — on a $31,000 system, that meant $9,300 back at tax time.
Real production, month by month
Solar generated vs. grid electricity used across four sample months. Every month closed at the same $22 connection fee.
“My electric bill, with AC this summer, is $17/mo — and that is just connection charges and taxes which cannot be reduced.”
Battery storage — not yet
The Johnsons considered a battery backup but chose a generator instead, keeping the door open as the technology matures. Their EV now charges during peak solar hours to maximize self-consumption.
“Solar is great but batteries kinda suck.” — community feedback that shaped the call
What they made sure not to do
Did not sign a solar lease — an outstanding obligation on the home was a non-negotiable dealbreaker
Did not skip the roof inspection — pulling panels later for roof work costs thousands more
Did not take the first quote — shopping around saved over $9,000
Did not undersize the system — most solar regret comes from going too small
Did not ignore resale implications — confirmed system ownership transfers cleanly to a future buyer
For Virginia homeowners weighing the same decision
“Once it's paid off, it's free energy for life. That's where I am.”
The Johnsons are eleven months into a system on track to pay for itself in just over a decade — then run free for another fifteen years after that. Good south-facing roof, Dominion Energy rates, a plan to stay long term: for a household like theirs, the math works. The key is going in informed, financing it right, and choosing the installer carefully.