Updated
Solar in Reston, VA usually needs Reston Association approval as well as Fairfax County permits. The Association's Design Review Board decides applications for improvements under the Reston Deed of Dedication's design covenants, and homes in a cluster association need a cluster officer's signature on the application.
Reston Association design review
The Reston Association Design Review Board interprets the design covenants in the Reston Deed of Dedication and decides applications for improvements and alterations to property, which is where a solar array is reviewed.
If your home is in a cluster association, at least one signature on the application must be a cluster officer's. Rejected applications can be appealed, or revised to meet the guidelines and resubmitted.
Sources: restonnow.com, restonnow.com
Net metering in Fairfax County
Reston sits in Fairfax County, where the Virginia SCC's April 30, 2026 order kept Dominion's one-to-one annual net metering, with a $1 monthly charge for new customers and year-end surplus cashed out at the avoided-cost rate.
Virginia SRECs for 2026 were priced near $17, so bill credits carry most of the value and systems are sized to yearly usage.
Sources: ajlongelectric.com
Common Reston projects
Each page explains the work and the approvals.
Reston solar questions
Exterior improvements go through its Design Review Board, so plan on it.
At least one signature must be a cluster officer's.
You can appeal or revise the design and resubmit.
County building and electrical permits; we file them after design review.
Often, with low-tilt panels that are hard to see from below.