McLean and Great Falls homeowners can save thousands on solar panel installations through a state-backed bulk-purchasing program where Fairfax County already leads Virginia in signups and completed installs.

Switch Together, run by nonprofit Solar United Neighbors, uses what Capital Region partner director Sukrit Mishra calls "the Costco model": aggregating homeowners into a group to negotiate discounted rates from vetted solar installers. The program has produced 181 completed installations in Fairfax County out of 348 statewide since launching locally in 2023, according to FFXnow. Arlington County is second with 117 installs.

The Fairfax County government's solar programs page lists the signup deadline as Wednesday, Nov. 18, and estimates the average household will save $6,323 on installation, or 21% below market rate.

What it costs

A typical residential solar system runs $16,000 to $17,000 at market rate, according to Solar United Neighbors Virginia Program Director Brandon Praileau in a WTVR interview. Through Switch Together's reverse auction model, qualified installers compete to offer below-market pricing. Praileau said the program achieves 23–25% savings on that baseline, and homeowners can expect to recoup installation costs in seven to eight years and save $1,500 to $2,000 annually on electricity.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury estimates participating households could save roughly $2,200 per year, according to Gov. Abigail Spanberger's July 13 announcement expanding the program statewide. Virginia became the first state to offer a solar group-buying initiative across the entire commonwealth.

One cost factor to note: the federal 30% residential solar tax credit is no longer available, according to the county's going-solar page. Savings estimates may reflect the period when that credit was still in effect.

"I don't think this issue is exclusive to just folks in Virginia, but with the advent of data centers, with the continuing escalator rates when it comes to utility rates, folks need something to be immune to these prices," Mishra told FFXnow on Aug. 10.

How to sign up

The signup is free and carries no obligation. Homeowners provide their ZIP code, property height, roof slope and material, and average utility bills to receive a cost estimate. Installers only contact applicants who have paid deposits. To date, 680 Fairfax County residents have registered and 51 have paid deposits.

The program is open to single-family homeowners and small business owners. Townhouse owners should check their HOA policies before signing up. Solar United Neighbors provides a help desk to walk residents through the contract and installation process.

Additional county incentives

Beyond the group discount, Fairfax County waives permit fees for solar applications and offers a five-year solar energy equipment property tax exemption, according to the county's going-solar page.

Northern Virginia homeowner Molly Roy, who had panels installed through the program, told FFXnow she pays less for electricity through net metering with Dominion Energy and earns $30 per megawatt-hour by selling solar renewable energy credits on the voluntary market.

Panels installed through the program are expected to last about 25 years. Program staff recommend homeowners with older roofs coordinate solar installation with a roof replacement.

Fairfax County residents can register at SwitchTogether.com/Solar/FairfaxCounty. The deadline is Wednesday, Nov. 18.