News > Why it’s time for Richmond and Hampton Roads to go solar — and how you can get started

Why it’s time for Richmond and Hampton Roads to go solar — and how you can get started

• Solar affordability

January 17, 2025

• Emily Hemmingson

For residents in the Richmond and Hampton Roads area, there’s never been a better time to go solar. 

Solar United Neighbors (SUN) has just opened our supportive group buying program — what we call a solar co-op — for residents and businesses in the area. Our co-ops have helped hundreds of homeowners across the United States and Puerto Rico go solar at a more affordable price, and now it’s a resource available to you! 

“The co-op will enable Richmond and Hampton Roads homeowners and business owners to join the growing community of people saving money by harnessing solar power,” says Brandon Praileau, the Virginia Program Director here at SUN.

Top reasons for Virginia residents to join a solar co-op

Solar is an important investment for both your and Virginia’s future. Energy consumption in Virginia is projected to double by 2040. Producing your own solar energy can protect you against rising bills and support an overburdened energy grid. 

Solar installation is also more affordable right now. “You can access incentive tax credits that might not be around forever with potential changes to the IRA,” says Praileau. 

Eugene, Charles, and Paul are three separate homeowners in Richmond who went solar through our co-op program back in 2016. Throughout the years, they have continued to reap benefits from their solar decision.

“I pay next to nothing on my electric bill,” Paul tells us. Eugene has a similar experience, sharing that his system has reduced his electricity consumption by around 60%.

These homeowners also share a passion for the environment. “I take pictures of my electric bill and talk about how many tons of carbon I’ve kept from going into the atmosphere,” Paul shares.

All three are proud to be solar owners in Virginia, but why did they decide to join with community members to go solar in a co-op? And would going solar in a group be beneficial for you?

Here are their top reasons for joining SUN’s free co-op program: 

1. Going solar in a group can get you a better installation rate

“A solar buyer can typically access pricing of $4/watt, but as a co-op you get a competitive price, around $2.50/watt,” Praileau explains. Paul confirms that he received an estimate from a solar installer, but the estimate through SUN’s solar co-op was cheaper. The more affordable your initial investment, the sooner you can pay off and profit off your system. 

2. Going solar in a group can help you choose a trusted installer

It can be a lot of work to find an installer you trust. In our co-op program, SUN solar experts offer vendor-neutral guidance to help the group choose the best installer. “I liked the fact that the co-op takes care of finding a quality installer with excellent pricing,” Eugene shares about his co-op experience. Eugene and Charles also commented on how much easier the process to find an installer was than they thought it would be. 

3. Going solar in a group means you have the support of solar experts and other solar homeowners

Joining a co-op isn’t just about saving money. Praileau believes a large benefit is the opportunity for people to come together, share their experiences, and start advocating for their energy rights. Charles shared that it really helped to talk through his concerns and questions with members of the co-op because, “The only hard part was deciding to do it…we were surprised at how effortless [the process] was.” 

So, is going solar in a group right for you?

Joining the Richmond and Hampton Roads co-op can make your solar journey easier and more affordable. 

The co-op is free to join and there’s never an obligation to buy solar panels – you can step away at any time. If you agree that now is a good time to explore going solar, and you want more information to get started, joining the co-op is a great place to start!

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Partner organizations for the Richmond/Hampton Roads co-op include Chesapeake Climate Action Network, Drive Electric RVA, Norfolk Solar, Sierra Club Virginia Chapter, Virginia Clinicians for Climate Action, and Wesley Union A.M.E. Zion Church.