I know you’re eager to start saving money with solar panels, but also nervous about picking the right installation company. It’s a big investment after all, and you want assurance the job will be done properly by experts who stand behind their work. No worries – I’m here to make understanding solar in Virginia simple!
As a longtime resident with experience in the industry, I’ve researched the top solar providers in our state based on quality, reliability, pricing, and service. I’ll summarize what to look for when evaluating contractors to avoid headaches down the road. My goal is equipping you with insider knowledge to pick the perfect solar partner with confidence.
Why Go Solar?
Before jumping to the companies, let’s quickly cover the basics…
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to power your home during the day and feed excess energy to the grid. This allows you to reduce electricity purchases and lower monthly bills. It also makes your household more energy independent and resilient.
Over 15,000 Virginians have already gone solar! Several key benefits drive the switch:
- Save money – Solar customers cut electrical bills by 50-100% immediately
- Gain energy independence – Produce your own supply with reduced grid reliance
- Increase home value – Solar boosts resale value by about $4 for every $1 invested
- Access tax credits & incentives – VA has strong solar policy incentives
Solar isn’t perfect though. Upfront installation costs can deter some homeowners without financing plans. And adequate sunlight and roof space are mandatory. Still, with incentives right now, solar delivers compelling value.
Okay, ready to learn the inside scoop on Virginia’s top solar contractors? Let’s get to the list!
What Makes a Quality Solar Company
With the growth in solar demand comes plenty of new installation companies popping up. And not all of them provide quality work or stand behind it long-term. Before getting to my top 5 recommended firms, here are signs of solar contractors to be cautious with:
✘ No licensing, credentials, or certifications
✘ Can’t provide local references or examples of work
✘ Bad online reviews or complaints
✘ Lower prices but less comprehensive coverage
For reliable service, look for these indicators instead:
✔ NABCEP certification of extensive training
✔ Established local operation with proven experience
✔ Responsive communication and full transparency
✔ Detailed warranties on equipment and workmanship
Vetting solar companies on factors that matter protects against headaches from cut-rate vendors. Now let’s explore your best options!
1. SunPower – Premium Products + Generous Warranties
With over 30 years pioneering solar tech, SunPower is my top recommendation for Virginia homeowners who prioritize performance and reliability…
Services – SunPower handles solar system design, equipment supply, installation, monitoring setup, and maintenance
Products – Their high-efficiency panels generate up to 50% more energy than competitors
Pricing – Premium products mean somewhat higher upfront costs, but greater long-term power production
Warranties – Extremely generous 25-year coverage on equipment, power output, and service
Credibility – SunPower is a trusted name-brand and financially stable company that stands behind their work
SunPower also makes solar affordable through leasing options with $0 down payments. If you want maximum energy savings over decades from leading solar tech, SunPower delivers.
2. Nova Solar – Local Experience and Competitive Pricing
Since 2007, Nova Solar has been installing quality solar systems on Virginia homes with expertise gained from right here in our market…
Services – Solar panel supply, system design/sizing, installation, interconnection paperwork, and maintenance
Experience – 15 years and over a thousand local installations
Offerings – Wide range of equipment packages and financing options
Pricing – Extremely competitive while maintaining robust production guarantees
Credibility – NABCEP-certified installers plus A+ Better Business Bureau rating
By sticking to solar and keeping overhead low, this local company can provide discounted pricing to homeowners. Yet quality remains top-notch thanks to veteran local crews.
3. Blue Raven Solar – Zero Money Down Financing
Part of the SunPower family, Blue Raven Solar shares an excellent reputation thanks to solid training and support…
Services – From permits and electric panel upgrades through complete solar system installation
Financing – $0 down payments for 18 months through their BluePower loan program
Equipment – Premium solar panels designed by parent company SunPower
Timing – Quick and clean installs thanks to their single-day roof mounting method
Reviews – 4.8 out of 5 stars across thousands of customers nationwide
With flexible financing and some of the industry’s best components, Blue Raven makes quality solar easy to afford. Their limited-time loan payment waiver also allows you to access savings right away before settling costs.
4. Freedom Solar – Specialists in Off-Grid Setups
For Virginia residents prioritizing energy independence thanks to solar battery backups, Freedom Solar is the top choice…
Expertise – Design/installation of complex off-grid solar systems with battery storage
Offerings – Solar array pairing with leading batteries like Tesla Powerwall
Performance data – Real-time solar production monitoring from installed projects
Availability – Licensed electricians throughout Virginia
Safety – Crews certified in OSHA safety standards
By focusing specifically on off-grid installations, Freedom Solar’s proven capacity designing battery-integrated systems offers peace of mind your investment will perform when needed.
5. Sunrun – Large Scale with Cutting Edge Technology
As America’s largest solar provider operating since 2007, Sunrun delivers scale advantages and leading-edge products…
Services – Complete clean energy system installation and ongoing maintenance/upgrades
Products – Generous equipment, installation, and performance warranties
Solar tech – Rooftop solar panels, carports, awnings
Battery options – Multiple lithium-ion battery choices seamlessly integrating with solar
Monitoring – App visibility into real-time solar production data, smart home energy controls
Sunrun’s size allows robust research and development in next-gen solar tech while passing savings to customers. Their batteries and energy management offerings maximize self-supply.
Just be sure to read through Sunrun’s history of confusing lease contract language carefully. Get help from an advisor in deciphering any unclear terms as well.
Go Solar With Confidence!
I hope this solar provider overview is helpful navigating your decision to install panels on your Virginia home. With incentives still available and electrical rates continuing to rise, now remains a primetime for families to pursue saving money through solar generation.
The right installation partner makes all the difference though in realizing your solar investment‘s full potential. Let me know if any other questions come up in your solar research and contractor selection process! I’m here to help fellow Virginians like you make the transition smoothly.