SRECs in Virginia: Turning Solar Energy into Extra Income
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) are an optional way of earning cash for the clean energy your panels produce – completely unrelated to the net metering agreement you hold with your utility company.
What Exactly is an SREC?
An SREC isn’t a physical thing — it’s simply a record of clean energy production. For every 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) your PV system produces, you earn 1 SREC.
For context, an 8 kW system in Virginia might generate around 10,000 kWh per year—meaning 10 SRECs annually. These credits belong to the person or entity that owns the solar, and can be sold for cash.
Who’s Buying These Things, and for How Much?
In Virginia, SRECs are typically bought by utilities and other electricity suppliers who are required to meet renewable energy goals under the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA). By purchasing SRECs, they can comply with these mandates by showing that a portion of the electricity generated in their portfolio comes from renewable sources—without having to build and own all of the solar infrastructure themselves.
When the Virginia SREC market launched, spot market values were slightly below the price ceiling of $75, due to limited supply and strong demand. However, as more solar installations came online, the market became more competitive, and spot market values decreased. As of August 2025, the spot market value for a Virginia SREC is ~$28. This price reflects current market conditions, and can and will vary based on supply and demand dynamics.
How to Sell Your SRECs
To start selling SRECs, Baseline must first register your solar system with an SREC broker. A full-service broker will:
- Work with regulatory authorities to verify registration
- Provide solar owners with an online dashboard and reporting platform
- Track solar production data and mint that production into SRECs
- Broker the sale of those SRECs on your behalf
Just like stock brokers on Wall Street, SREC brokers take a commission for their services, which is typically deducted directly from the sale proceeds before you receive payment. Baseline Solar’s preferred SREC partner is RECmint, a full-service company known for reliable customer service and competitive rates. But ultimately it’s your decision, so if there’s another company you’d rather work with, let us know!
Once registered, you’ll need to decide if you want to sell your SRECs:
- at spot market rates (price typically changes month to month), or
- through fixed-price contracts (price locked for a set term)
Deciding between spot market sales and fixed-price contracts is a classic risk-versus-reward decision, and the right option for you depends on your risk tolerance and financial goals.
Ready to Sign Up?
If you have questions about SRECs, or if you’re ready to get started with SREC registration, please call or email Baseline’s SREC wrangler Lindsay: 203-685-9070, lindsay@baselinesolar.com.