Thinking about putting solar on your Northern Virginia roof but unsure how permits, inspections, and tax rules work? You are not alone. The process is straightforward once you know the steps, and there is a local five-year real property tax exemption that can improve your overall economics. In this guide, you will see how permitting works, how Dominion interconnection fits in, and how the five-year exemption is handled in Fairfax and Loudoun. Let’s dive in.
Northern Virginia solar basics
Most residential solar projects in NoVA follow a similar path. You submit building and electrical permits, complete plan review, and schedule inspections before the system can be energized. You also apply to your utility for interconnection and receive permission to operate once final inspections are complete.
Beyond permitting, Virginia localities can adopt a limited property tax exemption for qualifying solar equipment. Fairfax County and Loudoun County have implemented this local option. The exemption typically applies only to the added assessed value from the solar equipment for a set period, commonly five years.
Permits you will need
Most homeowners need two core permits for rooftop PV: a building permit and an electrical permit. A building permit covers roof attachments and any structural considerations. An electrical permit covers wiring, inverters, disconnects, and related components.
If your project includes battery storage, plan on additional documentation and possibly separate review. Some jurisdictions also involve the fire department for energy storage systems. Your installer usually handles the filing and coordinates reviews and inspections.
What to include in your plan set
Counties expect a clear and complete submission. Typical items include:
- Completed building and electrical permit applications
- Site or roof plan showing array layout, setbacks, and equipment locations
- Single-line electrical diagram with array configuration, inverters, AC disconnects, grounding, and breaker sizes
- Manufacturer spec sheets and listings for modules, inverters, and racking
- Roof attachment details, flashing details, and structural calculations if required
- Contractor license information and proof of insurance
- Battery documentation and any code-required plans if you are adding storage
Inspections and timing
Plan for electrical and final inspections. Some projects also require a roof or structural inspection. Final utility authorization commonly depends on passing your final electrical inspection.
Review timeframes vary by county and workload. Simple projects can move in a few business days, while projects needing structural calculations can take longer. Your installer should schedule inspections when the system is ready.
Dominion interconnection basics
Interconnection approval is separate from county permits. Most Fairfax and Loudoun homeowners apply to Dominion Energy for residential interconnection. Your installer will submit the application, ensure equipment meets interconnection standards, and track the process through permission to operate.
Net metering or export rules, anti-islanding protections, and meter configuration are typically part of the utility process. Dominion issues final authorization after you pass final inspections. Keep confirmation of interconnection for your records because counties often ask for it when you apply for the property tax exemption.
The five-year property tax exemption
Virginia allows counties and cities to adopt a real property tax exemption that excludes the added assessed value attributable to qualifying solar energy equipment for a limited period. Many jurisdictions that adopt it use a five-year term. Fairfax and Loudoun administer this local option.
What the exemption covers
The exemption generally applies only to the incremental value the solar equipment adds to your assessment. It does not reduce the base value of your home. It is not a cash rebate. Instead, it prevents the solar equipment from increasing your property tax bill during the exemption period.
Who qualifies
Eligibility is tied to certified residential solar energy equipment. Counties verify certification through your permit documents and final inspection. Most programs require that you own the equipment. Leased systems often do not qualify because the third-party owner holds title to the equipment. Confirm details with your county.
How and when it applies
The exemption requires a separate application to the county office that administers real estate tax. You typically need to submit proof of final inspection, equipment certification, and other supporting documents. Filing windows can affect which tax year gets the benefit, so it is smart to confirm timing with your county before installation is complete.
Fairfax County steps
Permits and inspections
In Fairfax County, plan on a building and an electrical permit for rooftop PV. You will submit standard items such as a site plan, single-line diagram, equipment specifications, and roof attachment details. A final electrical inspection is required before the utility authorizes interconnection and operation.
Applying for the five-year exemption
Fairfax County offers a real estate tax exemption for qualifying solar equipment that excludes the added assessed value attributable to the system for a limited period, commonly five years. You need to apply to the county office that handles real estate tax administration. The county will request proof of installation and certification, typically after final inspection.
Timing and documentation
Do not wait until tax bills arrive. Ask the county about its application deadlines so your exemption applies to the intended tax year. Be ready to provide your final inspection approval, proof of equipment certification, and evidence of interconnection if requested.
Loudoun County steps
Permits and inspections
Loudoun County requires building and electrical permits with plan review and final inspections for residential solar. Submit your site plan, single-line diagram, manufacturer sheets, and structural information if requested. Battery storage requires additional review and may involve the fire department.
Applying for the five-year exemption
Loudoun County has implemented the local option to exempt the added assessed value of qualifying renewable energy equipment for a limited period. You must apply through the county tax office. The county typically requires proof that the system is certified and has passed final inspection before granting the exemption.
Timing and documentation
Confirm Loudoun’s application form and filing window directly with the county. Have your final inspection approval, equipment certifications, invoices, and photos ready. Submit promptly so the benefit is captured in the next assessment cycle.
Your documentation checklist
Use this list to organize everything from permit filing to your exemption application.
A. For permits and plan review
- Completed building and electrical permit applications
- Installer license, business registration, and proof of insurance
- Site or roof plan with array layout, setbacks, and equipment locations
- Single-line electrical diagram with array, inverters, disconnects, grounding, and breakers
- Manufacturer spec sheets for modules, inverters, mounting, and any batteries
- Roof attachment details and structural calculations if required
- Any code-required plans for battery storage
- Permit fee payment receipt
B. For final inspection and interconnection
- Final building and electrical inspection approvals
- Final inspection tag or report n- Utility interconnection documents or permission to operate
C. For the five-year tax exemption application
- Completed county solar property tax exemption application form
- Final inspection approvals
- Interconnection or permission to operate confirmation if requested
- Proof of equipment certification or listing from manufacturer specifications
- Itemized invoice or contract showing purchase and installation details and dates
- Photographs of the installed system if requested
- Any county affidavits regarding equipment ownership or occupancy
Federal Residential Clean Energy Credit
At the federal level, the Residential Clean Energy Credit provides an income tax credit for qualified residential solar systems. It is a separate incentive from your county property tax treatment. Homeowners should confirm the current credit percentage and eligibility using IRS guidance or a tax professional.
How the federal credit interacts locally
The federal income tax credit and the county property tax exemption operate independently. Claiming one does not automatically change your eligibility for the other. If your solar is part of a complex ownership or business arrangement, consult a tax professional to confirm how credits and basis rules apply in your situation.
Economics to consider
Your payback depends on system size, local electric rates, production, net metering or export rules, upfront incentives, the federal credit, and property tax treatment. The five-year property tax exemption reduces ongoing taxes by excluding the added assessed value from solar, but it is usually smaller in impact than the federal credit and utility bill savings. Battery storage improves resilience but adds cost and complexity, which can change permits and timing.
Selling or buying a home with solar
If you plan to sell, keep your permit approvals, inspection results, interconnection documents, and exemption paperwork organized. Buyers appreciate clarity on system ownership, certifications, and any ongoing incentives. If the system is leased, be ready to explain the lease terms and how the property tax exemption applies, since leased systems often do not qualify for the exemption under county rules.
Practical next steps
- Contact your county permitting office to confirm the current checklist and review timelines for your address.
- Coordinate with your installer on Dominion interconnection and permission to operate.
- Ask the county tax office for the solar property tax exemption form and the filing window.
- Gather the documentation listed above during planning so your final inspection and exemption application stay on track.
- Speak with a tax professional about the federal credit and how ownership or financing affects eligibility.
Ready to plan your project and understand how solar could factor into your move or sale in Northern Virginia? Reach out for senior-level guidance on permits, timelines, and resale considerations. Get your instant home valuation or request a free consultation with The Reist Corporation.
FAQs
Does the five-year exemption apply automatically in Fairfax and Loudoun?
- No. You must apply to the county tax office and provide proof of final inspection and equipment certification.
Does the exemption reduce my whole property value for taxes?
- No. It typically excludes only the added assessed value attributable to the certified solar equipment.
How long does the local solar exemption last?
- In jurisdictions using the common local option, the term is commonly five years. Confirm the exact term with your county.
Can I qualify if my solar is leased?
- Many programs require ownership of the equipment. Leased systems are often ineligible because a third party owns the equipment. Verify with your county.
Do county exemptions affect the federal solar tax credit?
- The local property tax exemption and the federal income tax credit are separate. Eligibility for one does not automatically affect the other.
