Solar panels installed on a residential home in Portsmouth, VA

Solar Panel Cost in Portsmouth, VA

Updated 2026 guide to solar panel prices, savings, and payback period in Portsmouth.

Estimated Solar Savings

$2.85Cost Per Watt
$17,100Avg. System Cost
8Year Payback
$30,00025-Year Savings

Solar Panel System Costs in Portsmouth, VA

Below are estimated costs for different solar panel system sizes in Portsmouth, including the 30% federal solar tax credit.

System SizeCost Before IncentivesFederal Tax Credit (30%)Net CostEst. Annual Production
4 kW$11,400-$3,420$7,9806,278 kWh
6 kWMost Popular$17,100-$5,130$11,9709,417 kWh
8 kW$22,800-$6,840$15,96012,556 kWh
10 kW$28,500-$8,550$19,95015,695 kWh
12 kW$34,200-$10,260$23,94018,834 kWh

What Affects Solar Panel Cost in Portsmouth?

The average cost of solar panels in Portsmouth, VA is approximately $285/watt before incentives. For a typical 6kW residential system, that means a total cost of about $17,100 before the federal tax credit.

After applying the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), your net cost drops to approximately $11,970.Portsmouth homeowners typically see a payback period of 8 years and save an estimated $30,000 over 25 years.

Factors that affect your cost in Portsmouth:

  • System size: Larger systems cost more but have a lower cost per watt
  • Equipment quality: Premium panels and inverters cost more but offer better efficiency
  • Roof complexity: Steep roofs, multiple levels, or shading can increase installation costs
  • Local labor rates: Installation costs vary within the Portsmouth metro area
  • Local permits: Permitting costs and requirements vary by municipality in Portsmouth
  • Incentives: State and local programs can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket cost
Beautiful home with solar panels in Portsmouth, VA

Solar Incentives Available in Portsmouth

Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit

30% Federal Tax Credit (ITC)

Virginia homeowners can claim the 30% federal ITC. Recent legislation has improved the solar landscape significantly in Virginia.

30%

State & Local Incentives

Property Tax Exemption

Property Tax

Virginia localities can exempt solar energy equipment from local property taxes. Most counties and cities offer this exemption.

100% property tax exemption (varies by locality)

Sales Tax Exemption

Sales Tax

Virginia exempts solar energy equipment from the state's sales and use tax.

100% sales tax exemption

Virginia SRECs

SREC

Virginia's Clean Economy Act created an SREC market for residential solar installations.

$10-$30 per SREC

Net Metering

Virginia requires Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power to offer net metering for residential solar systems up to 25 kW at the full retail rate.

Available

SRECs

Virginia's Clean Economy Act established a renewable portfolio standard that creates demand for SRECs. Residential solar owners can earn and sell SRECs for additional income.

Est. Value: $10-$30 per SREC

Available
View all Portsmouth solar incentives →

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Top Solar Companies in Portsmouth, VA

Affordable Solar Roof & Air

4.9(721 reviews)

Years in Business: 14

Service Area: Portsmouth

Phone: (800) 515-1254

Sunergy Solutions LLC

4.9(146 reviews)

Years in Business: 6

Service Area: Portsmouth

Phone: (603) 289-1090

Green Power Energy

4.8(406 reviews)

Years in Business: 17

Service Area: Portsmouth

Phone: (855) 525-1675

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Solar Panel Cost FAQ - Portsmouth, VA

The average cost of solar panels in Portsmouth is approximately $2.85 per watt before incentives. A typical 6kW residential system costs about $17,100 before the 30% federal tax credit, bringing the net cost to around $11,970.

The typical payback period for solar panels in Portsmouth is approximately 8 years. After that, you'll enjoy free electricity for the remaining 15-20+ years of your system's life, saving an estimated $30,000 over 25 years.

Portsmouth homeowners can take advantage of the 30% federal solar tax credit, which reduces your system cost by 30%. Virginia also offers net metering, SRECs, and various state-level incentive programs. Check our incentives page for the complete list.

Portsmouth homeowners can save an estimated $30,000 over 25 years by going solar. Actual savings depend on your electricity usage, system size, roof orientation, and available incentives. With electricity rates averaging $0.13/kWh in Virginia, solar provides significant long-term savings.

Solar Costs in Other Virginia Cities

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30%Federal Tax Credit
25+Year Savings
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