Top Solar Companies in Virginia
You already know the Old Dominion gets plenty of that good sunshine, making going solar about as smart as apple pie. According to brainiacs over at the National Renewable Energy Lab, solar in Virginia averages a healthy 4.95 kilowatt-hours of sunlight per square meter each day. That puts us comfortably in the top half of sun-drenched states ripe for solar power. So what’re you all waitin’ for? Time visit our SolarPowerSystems website, get a solar quote, and hop on the Virginia solar train!
The Solar Energy Industries Association ranks Virginia at #11 nationally regarding solar. We have over 4,800 megawatts of installed solar capacity sucking up rays — enough Virginia solar power over 585,000 homes! In fact, around 200 solar energy companies in Virginia are battling tooth and nail for your business around these parts.
But let’s talk business on the financial side of Virginia solar panels. In 2023, Virginians paid an average of about 14.3 cents per kilowatt-hour for electricity. A typical home using around 1,000 kilowatt-hours monthly amounts to a $143 power bill or almost $1,720 annually. Ouch!
Now, a 6-kilowatt solar panel system, which covers 60–70% of that usage, might set you back $18,000 upfront at about $3 per watt installed here in Virginia. But after that 30% Federal Tax Credit, we’re talking $12,600 out-of-pocket. And get this — that 6-kilowatt solar panel setup will generate around 8,100 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, worth $1,163 at our utility rates. Do the math, and you’re looking at an 11-year payback period before it’s paid off! It’s pretty, considering the solar panels can keep crankin’ out free Virginia solar energy for 25 years or more.
I ran the figures through that nifty calculator at the National Renewable Energy Lab based on a 6-kilowatt rooftop system in Richmond. But you all better get a solar quote from some Virginia solar companies to lock in more precise estimates for your place.
Here’s another simple argument for using solar energy in Virginia — our electricity costs keep climbing yearly. Over the last four years, Virginia’s average household power bill has jumped nearly 20%, according to energy stats! Heck, whatever pennies you might’ve pinched in 2021 were just sucked right on out of your wallet by the very next year.
But beyond just savin’ cash, Virginia solar power helps homeowners drastically shrink their carbon footprints while boosting property values when it comes time to sell. Switching to solar installation in Virginia County is an easy way to go green while putting profit-draining utility bills on the ropes for good. No wonder residential solar demand is booming all across the Commonwealth!
When choosing a potential Virginia solar panel installer, you better scrutinize their track records, certifications, warranties, financing options, and, most importantly, customer reviews from prior clients. A shoddy solar panel installation with second-rate panels and parts could leave you chasing the sun for decades, trying to make it right. So, take your time interviewing candidates until you find a seasoned, top-notch Virginia solar panel pro with all their ducks in a row.
The future only looks brighter for Virginia’s booming rooftop solar panel market as this renewable energy revolution picks up more steam. By going solar with the best solar companies in Virginia, you’ll save some hard-earned green while going green! What’re all of you waitin’ on?
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Solar Company in Virginia
Folks in the Old Dominion are increasingly going green by installing solar panels on their roofs. But with so many solar panel companies competing for your business these days, how do you separate the wheat from the chaff? Here are five key things to keep an eye on when picking the best solar installers Virginia has to offer.
Quality and Efficiency of Solar Panels
Not all solar panels are created equal. Quality and efficiency can vary drastically between different brands and models. The best solar outfits will steer you towards top-shelf stuff like SunPower, Panasonic, or LG — built solid to wring out every drop of solar energy Virginia gets. Steer clear of fly-by-night solar panel companies trying to pull a fast one with cheap, underperforming solar panels. You want quality silicon cells with a 25-year performance warranty, plain and simple.
Licensing, Insurance, and Credentials
Putting a solar panel on your roof is not just sticking on some panels — it’s a major construction job. You’ll want a properly licensed, insured, and credentialed solar panel installer handling the installation. Reputable solar panel companies will have a Virginia contractor’s license, liability insurance out of the wazoo, NABCEP solar certifications, and the whole nine yards. Don’t let some unqualified joe-schmo work on your roof and electrical system!
Warranty and After-Sales Service
Even with top-quality gear, solar panel setups can run into issues over their 25-year-plus lifetimes. That’s why you need robust warranty coverage from a solar panel company with a local presence for repairs and service calls. We’re talking about 25-year performance warranties and 10-year labor warranties, minimum. However, the real test is how responsive they are if something breaks years down the road. Read their reviews and ask how quickly they schedule service.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Sure, review sites offer a window into a company’s reputation. But take them with a grain of salt — competitors love waging “review wars.” It is way better to ask the solar panel installers directly for references from past clients in Virginia. Were they satisfied with the workmanship? Did the company hold its hand through all that incentive paperwork? How responsive were they when problems popped up? Get the real insider scoop.
Costs and Financing Options
Thanks to the Federal Solar Tax Credit, going solar is more affordable than a BillyTime timeshare. But we’re still talking $10,000 to $25,000 for an average Virginia solar panel system. Legit solar panel companies will provide detailed, fully customized quotes, laying out all fees, incentives, and financing options. They best offer flexible $0-down loans, leases, or other payment plans to make solar panel systems affordable. If some door-knocker starts quoting laughably low lump-sum prices, you run the other way!
Doing your homework on solar panel companies in Virginia ensures quality work, good value, and decades of free, independent solar power in Virginia. So take your time, kick the tires, and choose your solar panel installer carefully — it’ll pay big dividends down the road!
Blue Raven
Now, you all might’ve heard of Blue Raven Solar — the solar folks have been around since 2014 and have grown like kudzu to cover 21 states with their services. But get this: they only do projects down around the Virginia Beach area because they reckon it’s one of the finest resorts in the nation and deserves the best solar Virginia power solution money can buy!
The localized business approach has some real pros. By operating in a relatively small area like that, their local team has deep-rooted knowledge of the permitting processes, utility policies, weather patterns, and all that nitty-gritty stuff to smooth solar panel installations like sweet tea. They’ve also built solid relationships with local inspectors, suppliers, subcontractors, and everyone needed to coordinate a solar panel job. Plus, with so many prying eyes and big mouths in a town like the Beach, their reputation is always under a thousand microscopes!
But you know the drill — any big solar panel installer is bound to have negative reviews, too. Common gripes are subcontracted sales reps and roof worker cowboys, delayed installs that stretch for months, and miscommunications between departments that leave separate trails.
Failure and fumbles aren’t exactly trending or part of their regular daily business, either. They’re just suffering the growing pains any fast-expanding company sometimes hits. But hey, it doesn’t hurt to ask tough questions and lay down the law with their managers, either!
A localized outfit like Blue Raven, laser-focused on Virginia Beach, could be hittin’ that sweet spot. Their teams know this terrain like the backs of their hands, they’ve got accountability from the community, and they’re bringin’ our most famous resort area the latest and greatest clean energy solutions. Just be sure to knock on the hood yourself before handing over the keys!
ION Solar
You all have probably heard of ION Solar — one of the big solar companies operating in 11 states across this great nation. With over 85,000 installations under their tool belts, they’ve earned themselves a mighty respectable 4.5+ star rating across 7,000 customer reviews. Not too shabby!
Now, the allure of buying services from such a solar panel powerhouse is they have the resources to ensure top-notch equipment and services. These big solar panel companies got rigid quality standards, corporate policies coming out of the wazoo, and access to serious financial backing. As a result, ION Solar promotes financial deals with little to no upfront costs for customers to make solar panels affordable for just about anybody. Combine that with their quick, professional install crews, outstanding customer service, and juicy utility bill savings — no wonder they’re raking in positive reviews!
But you know how it goes — sometimes success breeds a few growin’ pains, too. Some negative reviews claim ION Solar isn’t living up to their warranty obligations lately, charging extra service fees when equipment starts acting up. Others gripe about long delays in getting their systems fired up and operational. Those sales reps are another sore spot — putting on a big song and dance only for the project manager to change their tune after you put your signature on the dotted line.
Now, don’t get me wrong. These snags and stumbles are typical growing pains for any company expanding like wildfire. And it doesn’t hurt to press them for details and do your due diligence when talking solar!
One thing’s for sure, though — ION Solar is doing good deeds through its charity partnerships. It teams up with Habitat for Humanity and Encircle to install solar solutions for homes, businesses, schools, and shelters in need. By shedding high utility costs, ION’s work funnels the solar savings back to support good causes.
Solar Energy World
Founded in 2009, these seasoned solar vets have installed over 170,000 kilowatts of solar panel systems in their decade-plus run. But what gets them jazzed is acting as good stewards for future generations. As their philosophy states, “We give more people the power to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels to foster financial and environmental security for their children and grandchildren.”
They don’t play games with their warranty coverage, either. You get a 30-year manufacturer’s warranty on all their solar panels and inverters for purchased systems. And if that manufacturer happens to go belly-up? No sweat, Solar Energy World promises to replace everything with comparable components to hold up their end of the deal.
Their website merits a chef’s kiss regarding transparent pricing breakdowns. They lay out all the buying, leasing, and PPA numbers so you know exactly what you’re getting into upfront with each option. This quote from their site says it all: “Most things you purchase depreciate over time. A car’s value decreases when you drive it off the lot. A solar electric system’s value increases over time.”
In addition to taking care of customers, though, Solar Energy World is doing global charity work through its GivePower partnership. A slice of the profits from each solar panel installation gets funneled into building water purification systems for developing countries needing fresh water.
Freedom Solar Power
Freedom Solar has been bringing Texas-sized sun rays to homes since 2007. But they didn’t stop at just the Lone Star State — nowadays, they’re serving up solar solutions across six other states, Virginia included!
If you’re connected to Virginia utilities like Dominion Energy, Dominion Virginia Power, Southside, Rappahannock, Community Electric Cooperatives, or Xcel Energy, Freedom Solar has your solar services covered. They even offer backup battery options to keep your home juicing when outages strike.
But here’s the real bright spot — Freedom Solar has been an authorized SunPower dealer since 2014, graduating as Virginia’s only SunPower Master Dealer two years later. Translation? You’re getting premium AF SunPower equipment installed, backed by exclusive pricing and supply deals Freedom Solar hooks up for its customers. We’re talking lower sticker prices, speedier install times, and best-in-class service!
Now, they aren’t perfect — some homes have complained about their solar panel systems not getting installed for nine months after signing that contract. That’s partly the nature of the beast with big national brands — occasionally, communication breakdowns between local field operations and HQ. However, their customer-centric approach shines through in other ways.
For instance, their FAQ section keeps it real with straight-shooter answers on what’s possible with solar, estimated system pricing, and respectable zero-pressure estimates rather than forced online forms or delays until “normal business hours.” They also aim to provide ongoing support, offering lifetime monitoring for the systems they install, complimentary consultations for roof repairs or remodels, and services for existing solar panel setups from other Virginia solar panel companies.
Solar SME Inc.
This innovative solar crew from out West has already wormed their way into eight states, though we still need to check out a dedicated Virginia branch. But from what we’ve seen, their approach is refreshing compared to status-quo solar operations!
Most companies just prattle on about renewable energy being good for the environment, lowering your bills, yadda yadda yadda. But Solar SME gets down to brass tacks with cold, hard pricing stats and savings projections on their website! They estimate the average 6 kilowatt setup runs $11,159 in Virginia, with projected 20-year savings of $15,717 for residents. No endless phone-tag lead capture forms are needed, either!
They’re thinking outside the box on other fronts, too. Like their referral app, which lets you cash in real Benjamin Franklins just for passing along a buddy’s digits! $50 per signed contract, $1,000 if they install a solar panel system — that’s a nice little side hustle.
Another standout is their partnership with Pearl Solar Certification. This handy credential gives homeowners the full 4–1–1 on projected energy production, warranty terms for their installation, and further tips to optimize household efficiency. Nearly 15,000 Virginia houses are rockin’ the Pearl solar seal of approval already. And for good reason — it boosts your home’s resale value!
Paradise Energy Solutions
Started by four solar-lovin’ Beiler brothers in 2009, Paradise Energy began with a really humble gesture — installing a single setup on their dad’s farm! But evidently, they were onto something because nowadays, Paradise employs over 1000 folks across eight states and has powered up over 2,000 projects for homes and businesses.
Their approach to solar panel system maintenance is one factor that sets them apart. Rather than treating solar as a set-it-and-forget-it deal, they offer robust Protection Plans to keep your solar panel setup humming in peak condition year after year. We’re talking about remote monitoring tools, annual on-site inspections with full analytics reports, and optimized performance recommendations.
They’ll even inspect and repair solar panel setups installed by other companies! Now, that’s some real full-circle solar panel service dedicated to keeping your array cranking out maximum juice over its lifetime.
And the knowledge drops don’t stop there — Paradise takes education and client enablement seriously, too. Their website is stocked with detailed info on solar panel tech, system performance expectations, and how to properly size and match equipment to your household’s unique energy needs. They also go the extra mile on visuals, with an educational YouTube channel regularly pumping out fresh videos.
The only real knock on them is the need for more transparent sticker pricing. Their quoting process puts you into the dreaded ‘lead capture’ hell of disclosing personal deets, prompting a downpour of sales calls and spam. Hey Paradise, how about posting some sample price ranges on your site to let folks window shop? We are not asking for precise binding quotes here!
One oddball policy that raised an eyebrow was their “10–10–10 Guarantee.” We’re unsure what that covers, given that solar gear and installation workmanship warranties tend to last longer than a decade. It’s worth clarifying the fine print on that one.
But hey, with 99% positive reviews under their belts and zero widespread complaints about underperformance or faulty equipment, they may be onto something after all!
Nova Solar
This family-owned solar biz has one mission — delivering sustainable and affordable energy solutions to minimize environmental and financial strain on communities.
Nova stands out for its laser focus on fostering strong customer relationships and transparency. Hit its website, and you’ll find a motherlode of incredibly detailed case studies — not just the usual glowing reviews but full-blown photobooks walking through entire installation projects from start to finish. The real prize? Those sweet cost breakdowns, incentive calculations, ROI projections, and more!
They also take an open-book approach, with a separate section dedicated solely to the installation process. Once you kick off your project, you’re given a behind-the-scenes tour of exactly how the solar sausage is made from start to finish.
In case you like technical specs, Nova breaks down every nut, bolt, rail, and mount they use to build your custom solar panel setup. That level of granular detail would be overkill for most, but we appreciate the transparency! Don’t be surprised if the install crew quizzes you on solar racking components before breaking ground.
Jokes aside, Nova seems to soak up a brilliant amount of praise from clients, even maintaining gear installed by those “other guys.” And if you catch some flak from your homeowners’ association about solar, No sweat — Nova’s got your back with online tools to navigate all those tangled solar access laws and neighborhood restrictions.
Get Solar Quote
Are you looking to soak up that Virginia sunshine with some solar power? Well, buddy, slappin’ photovoltaic panels on your rooftop isn’t as simple as changing a lightbulb. Sure, a weekend DIY project might seem like a money saver, but trust me — you’re better off if you get a solar quote and bring in the experts for this gig. Trying to tackle the solar panel system alone throws cash into the fire.
Code Nightmares: Setting up solar panels means wading through a swamp of permits, zoning rules, utility demands, and building codes. Mess up, and you’ll face fines, delays, or even having to tear down your solar panel system. Virginia solar pros ensure everything’s up to snuff right from the get-go.
Grid-Tie Pitfalls: Messing up the grid hookup can fry your gear, create fire risks, void warranties, and kiss goodbye to those sweet solar panels. Unless you’re a sparky, leave it to the pros.
Missed Perks: Uncle Sam and Virginia have programs that can slash your solar costs, but wrangling with the paperwork is a whole other beast. One slip-up, and you could wave bye-bye to thousands in savings.
Shoddy Work: Greenhorn installers often need to catch up on the good stuff, leading to weaker output, premature aging, and voided warranties. Hangin’ heavy glass panels are no joke without the right know-how.
Lone Ranger: Go with a pro provider; you’ll have support for years. DIY? You’ll be alone when things hit the fan over the next few decades.
So, before you start dreaming of DIY solar to pinch pennies, smart Virginia homeowners get quotes from several solar panel companies. They’ll sort out all the nitty-gritty, from permits to materials to incentives, and show you why going the DIY route isn’t worthwhile.
Plus, these solar pros can hook you up with sweet financing deals. Pay more now for a proper solar panel setup; you’ll save yourself a world of hurt. Skip the headache and the money pit — get pro-solar quotes from the get-go. Your future self will thank you!
Installation Process of Solar Panels and What to Expect
So, you’ve picked out a killer solar panel crew to get your Virginia crib juiced up with sunshine. What’s the next move? Let’s break down the setup process and what to expect when the squad rolls through to kick you off the grid.
The Pre-Installation: Before the install squad shows up, the solar panel pros do their thing behind the scenes. They scope out your roof using fancy satellite tech and special software to tailor-make your setup. They handle all the paperwork, getting the green light from your local crew and utility company. Plus, they order all the gear for the job — panels, inverters, racking gear, you name it.
Once everything’s squared away, they lock in the installation date and clue you in on what’s happening. The crew swings by a few days before showtime for a site check. They scope out your roof, spot hurdles like vents or skylights, and map out where your setup will go.
Installation Day: The squad rolls up early on installation day, geared up and ready to roll. After unloading their gear and parking their rig, they split up to tackle different tasks simultaneously.
The racking crew gets to work prepping your roof for the panels. Sometimes, they must drill holes and lay the foundation for the aluminum rails that lock down the panels. Following the plan, they mount those heavy-duty rails and lay down pads for easy rooftop navigation.
Meanwhile, the electrical squad starts laying conduit from your main panel to the roof. This is where the magic happens, bringing solar power from the panels into your home’s wiring. They might even dig underground for the wires running from the roof to your utility meter.
With the racks in place, it’s time for the panel posse to do some careful heavy lifting. One by one, they hoist up the solar panels and bolt them down in their designated spots. Each solar panel gets angled just right to catch those sweet rays from the sun.
Once all the solar panels are locked in, the electrical crew connects each solar panel to your electrical system. They add shut-off switches, combiners, and the inverter unit (the brainiac converting solar juice to power your gadgets). Then, they fine-tune all the settings and safety measures for the big test.
The moment of truth arrives after a thorough once-over — they flip the switch to power up your new solar setup! If everything looks good, they snap some pics, clean up, and give you the grand tour. They’ll show you how to monitor your power output, what to expect regarding maintenance, and who to call if anything goes sideways.
Post-installation: After that, the Virginia solar crew handles all the paperwork and rebates, getting you set up to soak in that renewable goodness.
From here on out, sit back and let that Virginia sunshine work its mojo. With a bit of TLC, like a yearly scrub-down, your solar panels will keep churning out free, clean power to knock down those utility bills for years. And if any snags pop up, you can bet the solar squad’s got your back with top-notch service and guarantees. But for now, give yourself a high-five — you’re officially the boss of a solar-powered pad!
Our verdict
At the end of the day, folks, perhaps it’s time we adopted that old “Think globally, act locally” principle when it comes to solar, too. That means keep in mind your environmental desires, but for that goal, look around and think about the value of partnering with sun-powered professionals right here in the Old Dominion who know Virginia inside and out!
We appreciate the efforts of those big national brands, don’t get us wrong. Their deep pockets enable streamlined financing, top-shelf engineering, and the most cutting-edge solar tech around. But with that immense scale also comes immense challenges — it sometimes takes a massive coordination effort to wrangle those scattered operations into an efficient solar machine.
That’s where those local Virginia solar panel installers hold a distinct advantage. They live and breathe this territory daily, understanding our precise zoning rules, utility policies, sun exposure patterns, and more like the back of their hand. Need to call someone up? They’re just downtown, not halfway across the country. And you can bet they’ll go the extra mile on service when their name and reputation are on the line locally.
So, dream big and envision that bright solar-powered future for your household. But take the time to spray some of that sunshine love over to those Virginia solar panel companies born and raised here, too. After all, people have yet to learn the path to full climate independence, like the homegrown guides already blazing the trail.
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