Herndon, VA Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

Solar photovoltaic installation in Herndon is regulated under the Virginia USBC and the 2020 National Electrical Code. Residential rooftop solar projects require a combined building and electrical permit from Herndon Community Development. Typical residential systems of 5-15 kW can be permitted over-the-counter or within 5-10 business days with a complete submittal including system plans, module and inverter specifications, structural verification of roof capacity, and electrical single-line diagram. Licensed Virginia DPOR contractors with Class A or B license with solar (SOL) or electrical (ELE) subclassification must perform the installation. Ground-mounted solar arrays require setback compliance per zoning (same as accessory structures), may have size limitations, and may require zoning administrator review. Solar is classified as an accessory use in all residential districts. The Virginia Solar Freedom Act (VA Code §67-701 through §67-705), enacted in 2014 and strengthened in subsequent legislation, prohibits HOAs and property owners associations from unreasonably restricting solar installations. HOAs may impose reasonable restrictions that do not significantly increase cost or decrease efficiency, such as regulating where panels may be mounted (not street-facing slopes if roof space permits), color of mounting hardware, and requiring screening of ground-mount systems. Net metering is available through Dominion Energy under Virginia State Corporation Commission rules for systems up to 25 kW for residential customers and 3 MW for non-residential. Excess generation credits roll forward monthly at retail rate. The federal Residential Clean Energy Credit provides a 30% tax credit for solar installations through 2032. Virginia has a limited state solar incentive program.