Solar Installation and Energy Offset for a Roanoke, VA Home

Cenvar Solar is proud to highlight a solar installation in the Roanoke, VA area. This project involved equipping a residential roof with a powerful, modern solar energy system, allowing the homeowner to take control of their rising utility costs.

The Solar System Details

This is a high-performance system designed to maximize the home’s solar potential:

• System Size: The installation features 11 solar panels for a total system size of 4.95 kW (450 watts per panel).
• Panels: We installed REC 450w Solar Panels, which come with industry-leading warranties, including a 25-year product, performance, and labor warranty.
• Inverters: The system uses Enphase IQ8X Microinverters. Microinverters provide one inverter per panel, minimizing troubleshooting and offering enhanced energy output.
• Production Estimate: The estimated first-year production is 5,667 kWh.
• Energy Offset: This system is projected to offset the home's energy usage by 98%.

The project was structured as a loan and was bundled with roof work, an option that provides comprehensive protection from the roof up.

Before and After: Utility Bill Analysis

The system was designed based on the home's historical usage data from Appalachian Power (APCO). Analyzing the customer's usage helps ensure the new solar system is correctly sized for their needs.

In the past 12 months, the home's total usage was 4,234 kWh, with an average monthly usage of 423 kWh. A look at the January 2025 bill shows a total current charge of $64.75 for 325 kWh used. This charge included $40.12 for Electric Service, $21.59 for Delivery, and $3.04 for Taxes & Fees.

With an annual production estimate of 5,667 kWh and a 98% energy offset , the homeowner is positioned to drastically reduce their monthly reliance on the grid and utilize the benefits of Net Metering.

Maximizing Solar Incentives

The system qualifies for significant financial incentives:

• Federal Tax Credits: An estimated $4,083 Federal Tax Credit is available (customer should consult a tax advisor).
• SRECs: The system is estimated to earn 5 SRECs per year based on annual production. These SRECs can provide an additional annual revenue stream, with a current market rate estimated at $40 per SREC, equaling about $200/year.

Cenvar Solar handles the process of registering the system through REC Mint, allowing the homeowner to choose their SREC plan. From contract signing to activation, Cenvar covers the engineering, local approvals, and utility company permission to operate (PTO).