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WASHINGTON - Gov. Abigail Spanberger revealed last week that Virginia will become the first state to offer residents statewide access to a voluntary group-purchasing program designed to reduce the cost of residential and business solar installations through competitive bidding among approved contractors.
The initiative requires no direct state spending and is intended to help homeowners and businesses lower electricity costs, expand renewable energy generation and reduce exposure to future utility rate increases, the governor’s office said.
Under the program, Switch Together, a community-driven group buying program, organizes a reverse auction in which qualified solar installers compete to provide the lowest price for participants.
State officials said the process has reduced installation costs by an average of 23%, or about $6,300 on a typical solar system.
According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, a typical residential solar installation can reduce annual household electricity costs by approximately $2,200, officials said.
“We are taking real, practical action to address high energy costs for Virginians, protect families from future rate hikes, and meet rising energy demand,” Spanberger said in announcing the program.
“By using the power of the free market, leveraging the Commonwealth’s buying power, and cutting out middlemen, we are creating significant discounts for families and businesses,” the governor said.
Switch Together previously operated in select Virginia communities and other parts of the country. State officials said the program has helped thousands of homeowners purchase solar systems at reduced prices, with some participants reporting monthly electric bills reduced to zero after installation.
The statewide campaign opens immediately and will continue through Oct. 15. Residents who enroll will receive a no-obligation assessment to determine whether solar energy is suitable for their homes or businesses.
Officials said participants may also qualify for discounted battery storage systems and, in many areas, heat pumps. Additional federal, state or local incentives may further reduce installation costs where available.
The program is administered through a partnership with the nonprofit Solar United Neighbors, which has worked with local governments nationwide to organize community solar purchasing campaigns.
Virginia's Chief Energy Officer Josephus Allmond said expanding access to residential solar and energy storage supports the state’s long-term energy objectives while providing additional options for homeowners seeking to reduce utility costs.
“Expanding access to home solar and storage is a core part of delivering more affordable, homegrown energy options for Virginia’s families and achieving our state’s long-term energy goals,” Allmond said.
Brandon Praileau, Virginia program director for Solar United Neighbors, said the organization will assist participants throughout the installation process.
“If you’ve ever thought about going solar, now’s a great time to do it,” Praileau said. “By going solar through Switch Together, you’ll have expert support every step of the way.”
Local officials also welcomed the statewide expansion.
John Morrill, director of Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination, said group purchasing programs have helped reduce household energy costs while strengthening the electric grid and expanding access to renewable energy.
State officials said the 2026 campaign is available in more than 100 Virginia localities, with plans to expand participation statewide.
Dan can be reached at [email protected] and @DanMcCue
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