Solar panel cost in Portsmouth, VA (2026)
A typical Portsmouth home needs about a 10.5 kW system (~26 panels), costing roughly $30,450 upfront. The 30% federal credit ended for purchases on Dec 31, 2025 (a lease/PPA can still pass it through). At 4.43 peak sun hours and Virginia's 14.8¢/kWh rate, it pays back in about 15.2 years and saves an estimated $37,776 over 25 years.
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Preset to Portsmouth's local sunlight. Adjust your monthly bill for a personalized estimate.
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| Annual electricity use | 13,541 kWh |
| Annual solar production | 13,582 kWh |
| Gross system cost | $30,450 |
| Federal tax credit (purchase) | Ended Dec 2025 |
| State / local incentives | — |
| 30% via lease/PPA instead | ~$9,135 value |
| CO₂ avoided per year | 4.8 tons (~79 trees) |
Estimates only — not a quote or financial advice. See our methodology.
What makes Portsmouth different
Portsmouth (population ~96,201) gets 4.43 peak sun hours per day — that's 4% less sunny than the Virginia average of 4.6. Slightly less local sunlight means panels produce a touch less than the state average, so sizing and orientation matter. Electricity rates, net metering, and incentives are set at the Virginia level: residents pay about 14.8¢/kWh, and full net metering + property tax exemption (locality).
| City peak sun hours | 4.43 hrs/day |
| Recommended system size | 10.5 kW (~26 panels) |
| Installed price per watt | $3/W |
| Gross system cost | $30,450 |
| Federal tax credit (purchase) | Ended Dec 31, 2025 |
| State / local incentives | — |
| Net cash cost | $30,450 |
| 30% credit via lease/PPA | ~$9,135 value |
| Annual energy produced | 13,582 kWh |
| Estimated year-1 savings | $2,007 |
| Payback period | 15.2 years |
| 25-year net savings | $37,776 |
| CO₂ avoided per year | 4.8 tons (~79 trees) |
Compare with the Virginia state average (10.1 kW, $29,290 net, 14.6-yr payback). Modeled estimates, June 2026 — not a quote. See methodology.
Compare real solar quotes in Portsmouth, VA
See actual prices from vetted local installers — including lease and PPA options that still capture the 30% credit in 2026. Free, no obligation.