SOLAR MAP
Welcome to our solar rooftop map for the geographic area of Northern Virginia. This map has been created by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission to demonstrate to homeowners and business owners how much solar energy can be generated by the rooftop of their home and/or business. The map was the first of its kind in Virginia, launching in 2016.
Working with our partners at the Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) we are working to make going solar easy by taking the leg and guess work out of whether solar is right for you.
Learn more about our Solarize NoVA Campaign
and view solar installation statistics and maps displaying the county and zip codes of Solarize NoVA installations.
How to Use the Map
Get an analysis of the solar energy potential for your home or a building of interest by either using the address search bar on the map or by using your mouse to move and zoom to a location of interest. Click on your home or building of interest to get results.
​
The results provide much information, including the potential size of a solar PV array that can be placed on the roof, the potential electricity savings, and the amount of CO2 reduction in atmosphere.
ASSUMPTIONS
Building roofs
All building roofs under 250 square feet are excluded from consideration, as they are too small for a solar PV array. Roof slope above 50 degree are excluded because they are too steep for a solar PV array. Roof orientations of north, northeast, and northwest are excluded due to insufficient sun exposure. Shading is considered based off of LiDAR data, which may or may not reflect current conditions.
​
Cost of electricity
A rate of 11 cents per kilowatt-hour is used to calculate potential electricity savings.
​
CO2 Reduction
CO2 calculations are based upon a formula published on the EPA's Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator.
VIEW AND USE THE SOLAR MAP
Click on the image to view and use the map.
Disclaimer
IMPORTANT NOTICE
The NVRC Solar Map is no substitute to an on-site assessment performed by a certified professional. The NVRC Solar Map is a remote evaluation tool, based on topographical surveys, information models, and simulation methodologies, and results may be unavailable or inaccurate due to issues including, but not limited to, partial sample obsolescence, excess of vegetation or non-modeled obstructions, incomplete or corrupted databases, incomplete or corrupted GIS layers, undetectable partial obstructions based on survey resolution, and force majeure. NVRC does not guarantee the accuracy of the data or the applicability of the information provided by the Solar Map.
NVRC wishes to acknowledge the contribution of MWCOG and the George Mason University College of Science and Department of Geography & Geoinformation Science that helped make this project possible.
