Virginia vs West Virginia Solar Incentives: Which State Gets the Better Deal?
Side-by-side comparison of Virginia and West Virginia solar incentive programs in 2026: state tax credits, net metering rules, exemptions, payback period, and projected 25-year savings.
| Metric | VA · Virginia | WV · West Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Monthly Bill | $165 | $165 |
| Peak Sun Hours / Day | 4.7 ◆ | 4.3 |
| Avg $/Watt Installed | $2.9 ◆ | $2.95 |
| State Tax Credit | None | None |
| Net Metering | retail | avoided-cost |
| SREC Market | No | No |
| Property Tax Exempt | Yes | No |
| Sales Tax Exempt | No | No |
| Avg Payback (yrs) | 7.7 ◆ | 9.9 |
| Avg 25-Year Savings | $40,500 ◆ | $27,600 |
State Tax Credit Comparison
Virginia offers no state income tax credit. West Virginia offers no state income tax credit.
Net Metering Policies
Virginia: retail rate net metering active. West Virginia: avoided-cost rate net metering active.
Net metering is often the most economically significant solar policy because it determines how excess production is valued. Retail-rate states (where you receive full retail price for exported energy) have substantially better solar economics than avoided-cost or no-net-metering states.
Average 25-Year Savings
Virginia: $40,500 over 25 years (avg payback 7.7 yrs). West Virginia: $27,600 over 25 years (avg payback 9.9 yrs).
Verdict: Which State Wins on Solar?
Virginia edges out West Virginia on lifetime savings primarily due to higher solar irradiance.
Note: state averages mask significant within-state variation. Your specific utility, roof orientation, and household electricity profile drive your actual numbers — use the calculator to model your home directly.