Dominion Energy Solar Guide 2026

Dominion Energy Solar Overview

Dominion Energy is a major utility in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, with most customers in Virginia. The Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA) has transformed Dominion's approach to solar, making Virginia one of the more attractive states for rooftop solar on the East Coast.

Dominion has historically been a coal-heavy utility, but the VCEA requires a transition to 100% clean energy. This has made Dominion more supportive of distributed solar than many traditional utilities.

Net Metering by State

Dominion's net metering policies vary by state:

Annual True-Up

In Virginia, excess credits at the annual true-up are typically compensated at avoided cost rates (lower than retail). The best strategy is to size your system to match annual usage closely—slight under-sizing can be better than over-sizing.

Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA)

The VCEA, passed in 2020, fundamentally changed Virginia's energy landscape and has significant implications for solar customers.

VCEA Key Provisions for Solar

• 100% clean energy by 2045: Dominion must transition to renewables
• Net metering protected: Codified into law
• No standby charges: For residential solar under 25 kW
• Solar development: Utility must develop/procure solar
• Battery storage: Utility must develop storage capacity

What VCEA Means for You

• Policy stability: Net metering protected by law, not just regulation
• No surprise fees: Standby charges prohibited for small systems
• Long-term value: Solar investment protected for decades
• Growing support: Dominion increasingly solar-friendly

Dominion Electric Rates

Your savings from solar depend on your current Dominion rate:

Rate Schedules

• Schedule 1: Standard residential rate (most customers)
• Schedule 1T: Time-of-use option
• Schedule 1EV: EV-specific rate (whole home)

Time-of-Use Considerations

Dominion offers optional time-of-use rates that can benefit solar customers with batteries. Peak rates are higher in summer afternoons, which aligns well with solar production in some cases.

Interconnection Process

Dominion Interconnection Timeline

Total timeline: 30-50 days typical. Dominion has improved interconnection times in recent years, especially in Virginia.

Dominion Solar Programs

Virginia Programs

• Net metering: Standard 1:1 available to all customers
• Community solar: Programs for those who can't install rooftop
• Low-income programs: Assistance available for qualifying customers

Incentives to Stack

• PPA/Lease (Section 48E): 30% credit through 2027
• Property tax exemption: Virginia exempts solar from property tax
• SRECs: Virginia has a growing SREC market

Virginia SRECs

Virginia's Renewable Portfolio Standard creates demand for Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs). While the market is still developing, SRECs can add $20-50/year per kW to your solar income.

Tips for Dominion Customers

Do This:

• Size for 100% offset: Net metering makes full offset valuable
• Act while VCEA protects you: Policy stability is valuable
• Consider SRECs: Register your system for additional income
• Get multiple quotes: Virginia has competitive installer market
• Check for local incentives: Some VA localities offer additional benefits

Watch Out For:

• Annual true-up: Excess credits paid at lower rate
• Slight over-sizing: Better to slightly under-size
• Compare financing: Rates vary significantly between installers
• 25 kW limit: Larger homes may need special arrangements

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dominion Energy good for solar?

Yes, especially in Virginia. The Virginia Clean Economy Act has made Dominion one of the more solar-friendly utilities on the East Coast. North Carolina and South Carolina customers also have good net metering policies.

Does Dominion offer net metering?

Yes. Dominion offers 1:1 net metering at full retail rates in all three states it serves. Credits roll over monthly, with annual true-up policies varying by state.

How long does Dominion take to approve solar?

Dominion's interconnection process typically takes 30-50 days from application to Permission to Operate. Virginia customers often see faster processing due to VCEA requirements.

What is the VCEA and how does it affect solar?

The Virginia Clean Economy Act (2020) requires Dominion to transition to 100% clean energy by 2045. It codifies net metering into law, prohibits standby charges for small solar, and creates long-term policy stability.

Can I sell excess solar to Dominion?

Through net metering, excess energy earns credits at full retail rate. At the annual true-up, remaining excess credits are typically paid at avoided cost rates. Size your system to minimize this loss.