Virginia to cut rooftop solar costs with nation-first bulk-buy program

Virginia has launched a statewide bulk-buy program for rooftop solar, the first of its kind in the country. The idea is simple: when a group of homeowners commits to installing solar at once, participating installers can buy panels in bulk and pass the savings along. The program, called Switch Together, is run by the nonprofit Solar United Neighbors and is backed by Governor Abigail Spanberger's office, though the state itself isn't putting up funding.

For homeowners in Virginia, the numbers are notable. Installation costs are running 20% to 30% lower than usual under the program, and organizers estimate the panels could cut about $2,200 off the average annual utility bill. Those discounts matter more now that the federal government has ended the 30% tax credit that used to help offset the cost of home solar. The campaign covers 100 counties and cities across the state, with only the far southwest corner left out this round because organizers haven't yet vetted installers there. Sign-ups run through October 15, and the program also offers access to discounted home batteries, EV chargers, and, in some areas, heat pumps (electric systems that both heat and cool a home).

More than 4,300 people have already requested information, and organizers expect that to grow before the deadline. If it works as intended, it could serve as a model other states facing rising electricity costs might copy. For now, it's specific to Virginia, so residents elsewhere would need to watch for similar efforts in their own state.