Energy Programs & Services – Solar Energy

Solar panels capture energy from sunlight and convert it into electricity your home can use. When the sun is shining, the panels produce power that helps supply your home’s electrical needs and reduce how much electricity you need from the utility. When solar production is lower, such as at night or during cloudy weather, your home continues to receive power as usual.

The age and condition of your roof also matter. Solar panels are designed to last 25 years or more, so your roof should be in good condition before installing a system. Addressing needed repairs or replacing a roof after panels are installed can be more complicated and costly.

Some homes may be better suited for ground-mounted solar systems, which can offer more flexibility in placement and reduce shading concerns. Whether roof- or ground-mounted, even partial shade or debris buildup can impact performance.

It’s also important to look at your home’s overall energy efficiency. Improving insulation, sealing air leaks, and maintaining efficient heating and cooling systems can reduce your energy needs. Taking these steps first can help you avoid installing a larger solar system than necessary and maximize the value of your investment.

Solar panels produce energy during daylight hours when the sun is shining. Production typically starts in the morning, peaks around midday to early afternoon, and tapers off in the evening. Output is highest in late spring and summer when days are longer, but panels still generate energy on cloudy days and during the winter, just at lower levels.

Installing solar panels may lower your electric bill, but the amount of savings depends on several factors. A solar system can reduce how much electricity you need to purchase by supplying some of your home’s energy during daylight hours. Your actual savings will vary based on system size, how much energy you use, when you use it, and how closely your usage aligns with solar production. Seasonal changes, weather, and household habits can also affect how much energy your system produces and how much you save.

In most cases, solar panels alone will not provide electricity during a power outage. For safety reasons, grid-connected solar systems are designed to shut off when an outage occurs to protect lineworkers. Without a battery system and a smart inverter, most residential solar systems will not supply power during an outage.

Homes with battery storage and the appropriate equipment may be able to power selected circuits when the grid is down. Battery systems can also store energy for use at night or during cloudy and rainy days, depending on system size and setup.

Net metering is a way to measure how electricity flows between your home and the electric system when you have a renewable energy system, such as rooftop solar. At SEC, net metering is an agreement that allows eligible member-owned generation to be connected to the cooperative’s system.

When your renewable system is producing electricity, it helps power your home first. When your home needs more electricity than your system is producing, your meter records the energy you use from the electric system. Over the course of the billing period, your meter tracks the difference between what you use and what your system produces, resulting in a net amount of electricity used.

In Virginia, net metering rules are established by the State Corporation Commission and apply to qualifying renewable systems that meet size and interconnection requirements. Net metering helps ensure your bill accurately reflects your energy use when you generate some of your own power, while remaining connected to the electric system for reliable service when you need it.

Net metering in Virginia is governed by state law and overseen by the Virginia State Corporation Commission. These regulations outline who is eligible for net metering, how systems must be interconnected, and how energy use is measured and billed. Members considering a net metering system should review Virginia’s net metering requirements to understand system size limits, equipment standards, and application steps before installing a system. https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title20/agency5/chapter315/

1. Complete the interconnection form (PDF) and submit it to SEC for approval.
2. Once approval is received the contractor can start the installation process. *Local building permits apply.
3. Once installation is complete, your local county building inspector will need to inspect the system and approve the system. That county will submit the approval documents needed to SEC.
4. A representative of SEC will then reach out to schedule an appointment for a site inspection and signing of the purchase and sale agreement (PDF).
5. SEC will then provide your installer with permission to access and operate your system via email or letter.