Many residents are embracing solar panels to lower their electricity bills, reduce their carbon footprint, and potentially increase their home’s value. Ready to soak up some sunshine and put those rays to work? Here’s how you can get started.

Fairfax County

The county website offers a variety of resources, ranging from guidance on finding an installer to a breakdown of associated costs.

Fairfax County offers incentives for going solar, including waived permit fees for solar panel applications and a five-year tax exemption on qualifying solar equipment.

Arlington County

Those in this county are eligible for a tax exemption credit on installed solar panels. Here’s the application.

Learn more about how you can get a solar permit in Arlington.

Alexandria

You can use this free tool to see if your home is a good fit for solar, or you can schedule a free assessment.

If it’s a perfect fit, learn more about the installation process. Note: There are specific guidelines for historic properties, so make sure to plan accordingly.