Choosing the right solar installer in Virginia can feel overwhelming. There are so many questions to answer before making the decision, you can spend hours researching. That’s why we’ve simplified it for you.
Our guide highlights Virginia’s top-rated solar companies, combining Solar Power Systems expert insights with feedback from locals who’ve made the switch.
No need to surf the web looking for information crumbs to have the big picture. Years in business, reviews from real customers, online reputation, panel brands, warranty, social media overview, and more – we have it all. The hard work is done to help you make the right decision.
We prioritize companies committed to long-term service and reliability. Here’s our list of Virginia’s most trusted solar installers:
HomeFix review 1638 E Parham Rd, Henrico, VA 23228, United States
SolarTyme review 6710 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Richmond VA, 23237
SolarTyme is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 3 states. With a foundation read more…
Virginia Energy Solutions review 620 Moorefield Park Dr, Richmond, 23236, VA, US
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Virginia Energy read more…
SolarTyme review 6710 US-1, Richmond, VA 23237, United States
SolarTyme is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 3 states. With a foundation read more…
Southern Exposure Solar review 11030 Richardson Rd, Ashland VA, 23005
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Southern Exposure read more…
Shanco review 3121 E Boundary Ct, Midlothian, VA 23112, United States
Shanco is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 3 states. With a foundation read more…
ION Solar review 116 Sylvia Rd, Ashland VA, 23005
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, ION Solar read more…
Nova Solar review 111 Anderson Mill Drive, Bumpass VA, 23024
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Nova Solar, read more…
ION Solar review 739 Thimble Shoals Boulevard Suite 704, Newport News VA, 23606
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, ION Solar read more…
Energy Select review 22815 Washington St, Leonardtown, MD 20650, United States
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Energy Select read more…
Grounded Solar review 23476 Three Notch Road, California, 20619, MD, United States
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Grounded Solar read more…
Southern Solar review 511 Campostella Rd, Norfolk, 23523, VA, US
Southern Solar is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 1 state. With a read more…
Convert Solar review 5825 Ward Ct Virginia Beach, VA 23455
Recognized as a Trusted Provider, Convert Solar has a widespread influence in 1 state, with its inception in 2013. This read more…
Convert Solar review 5770 Thurston Ave, Virginia Beach VA, 23455
Recognized as a Trusted Provider, Convert Solar has a widespread influence in 1 state, with its inception in 2013. This read more…
Solar Services review 1236 Baker Rd B, Virginia Beach, VA 23455
Solar Services is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 2 states. With a read more…
Shanco review 8350 Terminal Rd Suite A, Lorton, VA 22079, United States
Shanco is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 3 states. With a foundation read more…
Freedom Solar Power review 500 Woodlake Drive Suite 109, Chesapeake VA, 23320
Our Expert Choice badge goes to Freedom Solar Power, which concentrates on serving fewer than 5 states. With a foundation read more…
Blue Raven Solar review 400 N Center Dr, Norfolk VA, 23502
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Blue Raven read more…
Castles Electrical & Solar review 5801 Oak Terrace Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23464, United States
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Castles Electrical read more…
Sunbum Solar review 4445 Corporation Ln Suite 171, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, USA
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Sunbum Solar read more…
Solar Panel Cost in Virginia
When looking at the cost of solar panels in Virginia, homeowners pay around $2.77 per watt for installation as of October 2025. A standard 5 kW residential solar panel system runs about $13,860 before you factor in any incentives. Depending on what equipment you choose and how complex your roof setup is, solar panel prices range anywhere from $11,806 to $15,974.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Solar Panels in Virginia?
The cost to install solar panels varies based on system size. Here’s what different residential solar panel configurations actually cost:
| System Size | Cost Before Incentives | Cost After 30% Federal Tax Credit | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 kW | $8,310 | $5,817 | ||
| 4 kW | $11,080 | $7,756 | ||
| 5 kW | $13,860 | $9,702 | ||
| 6 kW | $16,620 | $11,634 | ||
| 7 kW | $19,390 | $13,573 | ||
| 8 kW | $22,160 | $15,512 | ||
| 9 kW | $24,930 | $17,451 | ||
| 10 kW | $27,700 | $19,390 | ||
| Pricing Disclaimer: The solar panel prices shown are estimates based on data collected from online sources as of October 2025. Actual costs may vary based on your location, system specifications, and installer. | ||||
Most homes in Virginia need something in the 5–7 kW range to cover their electricity usage. The cost of solar panel installation includes everything: panels, inverters, labor, and permits.
The federal tax credit knocks 30% off your bill, but there’s a catch. It’s only available through December 31, 2025. After that, you’ll pay full price. A 5 kW system that costs $13,860 upfront drops to $9,702 with the credit. Come January 2026, there’s no more discount.
Virginia Solar Incentives and Rebates
Between state and federal programs, Virginia solar incentives typically save homeowners around $5,506 on their installations. Understanding how much solar panels cost after these incentives is key to calculating your actual investment. Let’s break down what’s actually available.
Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
This is the big one when calculating how much solar panels will cost you. The federal government gives you back 30% of whatever you spend on your solar setup. For an $18,354 system (pretty typical in Virginia), that’s $5,506 back.
The challenge is that Congress ended this credit earlier than expected. The One Big Beautiful Bill, signed into law on July 4, 2025, terminated the credit effective December 31, 2025—years sooner than the 2032 expiration originally scheduled under the Inflation Reduction Act. Miss that deadline, and you’re paying sticker price.
You claim the credit when you file taxes using IRS Form 5695. Can’t use it all in one year? Roll the remainder forward for up to five years. The credit covers your equipment, installation labor, and even permitting fees.
Virginia Solar Property Tax Exemption
Virginia lets cities and counties exempt solar systems from property tax increases. Not every locality participates, so you’ll need to check yours.
The exemption works like this: for the first five years, 80% of your system’s added value doesn’t count toward property taxes. For years six through ten, that drops to 70%. After that, it’s 60% for however long you own the system.
Solar typically bumps your home value up 4–5%, but this exemption means you don’t get hit with higher taxes because of it. Most homeowners save $100–150 annually. Application processes vary by city or county—call your local tax assessor’s office.
Net Metering in Virginia
If you’re with Dominion Energy or Appalachian Power, you get full retail net metering. Your panels produce more than you use? The extra electricity goes back to the grid, and your utility credits you at the same rate you’d pay buying power—currently about $0.15 per kWh in Virginia.
Those credits stick around month to month. Generate surplus in summer, use those credits in winter. Size your system right and you could zero out your electric bill entirely.
Smaller municipal utilities and co-ops aren’t required to offer this, so check with your provider first.
Specific Considerations for Virginia Solar
Solar Irradiance and Climate Benefits
Virginia gets 4.3–4.7 peak sun hours daily on average, which directly impacts how much solar panels can generate. Coastal and southern areas see slightly better numbers than the western mountains, but the whole state has enough solar resource for strong system performance year-round.
The state has four distinct seasons—hot, humid summers deliver peak production, while moderate winters still keep your panels generating consistently. Solar panels actually work best between 59–95°F, and Virginia’s climate hits that sweet spot regularly.
Permitting and Interconnection Processes
Virginia’s permitting situation is honestly a mess. Every city and county does their own thing, which creates serious headaches. Recent studies found that 16% of homeowners who start the permitting process give up before finishing—that’s almost one in six projects abandoned because of red tape.
Wait times bounce around wildly depending on where you live. The median is nine business days for permit approval, but some places stretch it to 18 or even 24 days. Then you’ve got inspections, which tack on another 13 days typically.
All this bureaucracy isn’t cheap. Permitting and compliance costs add $6,000–7,000 to your installation—money that goes to paperwork instead of equipment. This significantly affects the total cost of solar panels in Virginia compared to some other states.
Some forward-thinking localities are switching to automated instant permitting systems. These use software to review your installation plans instead of having someone manually process applications. Where available, it cuts delays dramatically. Check if your area offers this.
Utility interconnection is separate from building permits. You’ll need approval from Dominion Energy or Appalachian Power to connect your system to the grid. That usually takes 2–6 weeks after your installation passes inspection.
Expectations for the Timeline
Typical Installation Timeframes
Plan on 2–4 months from signing a contract to turning the switch on your system. Here is the breakdown:
- Before installation (3–6 weeks): Your installer looks at your property, develops the system, executes contracts, and gets financing authorized. They will carefully go over your roof and make precise designs for your individual arrangement.
- Permitting (2–4 weeks): Getting construction permits and utility papers approved and sent in. This varies wildly—some places approve same-day, others take weeks.
- Installation (1–3 days): Actually putting panels on your roof and hooking everything up. Most residential jobs wrap in 1–2 days unless your system is particularly large or your roof is complicated.
- Inspection and activation (2–4 weeks): Final building inspection, utility sign-off, and getting your meter swapped or configured. Your installer typically handles coordinating these steps.
Permit Processing Considerations
With that December 31, 2025 tax credit deadline approaching, timing matters more than usual. If you’re in an area with slow permitting, you need to start immediately.
Working with an experienced local installer helps. Companies that regularly work with your jurisdiction often have relationships with permitting staff and know exactly what paperwork needs to look like to avoid delays.
Get a detailed timeline from your installer that accounts for your specific city or county’s requirements. Make sure the contract clearly states who’s responsible if permits take longer than expected, and get guaranteed completion dates in writing—especially relative to that year-end tax credit cutoff.
Is It Worth Going Solar in Virginia?
When asking whether solar panels are worth it in Virginia, the answer for most homeowners is yes. The math works. You’ll save money over time and lock in predictable energy costs while utility rates keep climbing. Right now, with the federal tax credit still available through year-end, the numbers look particularly good.
Financial Returns and Payback Period
You’ll typically break even in 9–12 years, which matches national averages. After that, you’re basically getting free electricity for another 15+ years on a system that lasts 25–30 years total.
Pay cash upfront? You’re looking at roughly $53,065 in savings over 25 years based on current electricity rates and typical system performance. That factors in your initial cost, the federal tax credit, and projected rate increases.
Virginia electricity prices jumped approximately 23% between 2020 and 2024. They’re not going back down. Solar panels lock in your costs—whatever you pay now is what you pay. Net metering sweetens the deal further by crediting your excess production at full retail rates.
System Financing Options
Can’t drop $13,860 in cash? You’ve got options:
- Solar loans: Many installers offer zero-down loans with competitive rates. Your monthly payment often equals or beats your current electric bill, so you’re cash-flow positive from day one. You’ll save less overall than paying cash because of interest, but you still come out way ahead.
- Home equity financing: Generally lower interest rates than specialized solar loans. Your interest might be tax-deductible too, though talk to a tax professional about your specific situation.
- Leases and PPAs: Less common in Virginia, but some companies offer them. You save immediately with nothing down, though your long-term savings take a significant hit compared to owning your system.
Additional Benefits Beyond Financial Savings
Solar bumps your home value by around 4.1% nationally—approximately $15,000–20,000 for a typical Virginia house. Thanks to the property tax exemption, you get that value increase without the tax burden.
Want backup power? Add a battery system. It’ll cost more upfront, but you’ve got electricity during outages and can optimize your usage around time-of-use rates for extra savings.
The environmental impact is also crucial. Your system reduces carbon emissions by around 3–4 tons of CO2 per year, which is equivalent to planting 100 trees annually. Virginia aims to source all of its energy from renewables by 2050, and residential solar power helps with that goal.
Considerations Before Installing
Solar energy works for most people, but a few things can make it less suitable:
- Roof condition and orientation: Need a new roof in the next 5–7 years? Replace it first. Removing and reinstalling panels later costs serious money. South-facing roofs with minimal shade are ideal, though east and west orientations work fine too.
- Energy consumption patterns: Using under 500 kWh monthly? Your payback period might stretch longer than average. Still, net metering helps, and if you’re considering an electric vehicle down the road, that changes the calculation.
- Future plans: Moving within 5–7 years? You might not hit payback before selling. That being said, solar houses sell quicker and for more money, which makes up for some of this.
- HOA rules: Some homeowners’ organizations don’t allow solar panels. Virginia law (§67-701) limits HOAs from imposing “unreasonable restrictions” on solar access, but you’ll want to review your HOA documents. If restrictions seem to violate state law, consider getting legal advice.
Between Virginia’s net metering, decent solar resource, and especially that federal tax credit (gone after December 2025), solar makes financial sense for most homeowners in the state. The clock’s ticking on that 30% federal credit though. If you’re considering solar, start the conversation with installers now. You need time for design, permitting, installation, and inspections—and you want your system operational before that December 31 deadline passes.
How Much Can Solar Panels Save Me in Virginia?
Finding out how much you can save on solar in Virginia is not a straightforward answer. It depends on several factors, including the solar billing of your utility company, the size of a potential solar system on your roof, and your household’s energy consumption. While most solar installers will try to cover all your electricity needs, the actual savings will depend on your home’s unique conditions. To get a personal estimate of how much you could potentially save by going solar, fill out a simple form on our website, use Google’s Project Sunroof solar savings calculator, or consult with a couple of local solar installation companies for a personalized savings calculation.
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Solar Financing Explained
You can pay for solar panels in a couple of ways:
- Cash
- Installer solar loans
- Personal loans
- Cash-out refinance or HELOC
- Solar Leases or Power Purchase Agreements (PPA)
First, there is a cash purchase, which in most cases provides the best price and long-term savings, but the upfront payment is not always what you can afford. If you want to own your solar panels and don’t have about $15,000 to $20,000 in the bank, you’ll have to choose solar panel financing.
You can consider a personal loan, a home equity line of credit, or a solar loan offered by the solar company. However, keep in mind that these loans come with interest and additional fees. Solar loans often are tied to dealer fees, which can increase the total cost of your solar system by 20% or more in exchange for a lower interest rate. To ensure you get the best possible deal, it is wise to compare the dealer fees and interest rates offered by different installers. This way, you can make an informed decision based on the most favorable terms available.
Some companies offer solar leases or PPAs that require zero upfront cost. But in such case, you don’t own solar panels and you are not eligible for any solar rebates or the federal tax credit. And, because you have to pay the solar company monthly, your total solar savings will be lower. Ask for detailed savings calculations from a solar installer to decide on the best option. In most cases, you will still be paying less for electricity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How We Rank Solar Installers
Our main goal is to provide homeowners like you with top-rated solar companies you can trust. Our solar experts analyzed thousands of local and nationwide installers to get to the bottom of who is best in a specific location. The solar company ranking methodology is based on gathering input from homeowner surveys, consulting with industry experts, and extensive research into the solar energy market. Here are the things we believe are the most important to consider when choosing a solar company.
In short, here’s how we pick top installers:
– Company that has been in business for over five years as it indicates stability, reliability, and successful installations.
– Local solar companies over big national ones covering multiple areas as they can provide better personal attention and know more about the solar needs and regulations in their area.
– Companies with hands-on experience and a wealth of projects under their belt are more likely to deliver efficient and timely installations that cater to specific customer needs.
– Companies that handle their own installations instead of outsourcing to subcontractors ensure a higher caliber of work and nurture a culture of excellence and accountability in service.
– Select a company that has a good overall reputation and reviews on sites like SolarReviews, BBB, Google Maps, and Yelp.
– The company is licensed and insured and holds relevant certifications such as NABCEP certification.
– Companies that offer a wide selection of high-quality solar panels and related products and work with reputable brands.
– Companies that provide flexible financing options such as solar loans, leases, or power purchase agreements.
– Installers that provide substantial workmanship warranties and system performance guarantees.
Read more:
Our Methodology
What Made Us Choose Sources for Expert Score?
How We Classify Solar Installers: What Matters Most?
What to Look for In a Solar Company
To ensure that you partner with a great provider that can meet your needs of going solar, look for the following:
– Make sure the solar installer has industry-standard certifications, such as those from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), indicating that they meet the gold standard in renewable energy installations. Also, verify if they are licensed, bonded, and insured for residential solar projects in your area. If subcontractors are involved, check their credentials as well.
– Prioritize installers with a proven track record in solar installations, ideally with at least 5+ years of experience. Ask about the number of systems they’ve installed and their project portfolio. A competent installer should openly discuss the solar panels, inverters, and batteries they use if they help to take advantage of local solar incentives and rebates, as well as warranty coverage specifics.
– Your installer should be forthcoming about the installation process and answer any questions you might have, like “How many solar panels will I need? Why?”, “Can you give me a detailed cost breakdown based on my energy consumption?”, “What solar panel brands do you install? Why?”, etc. They should also be transparent about their use of subcontractors, detailing their roles and how their work will be supervised.
– A preliminary evaluation of your roof’s condition is the groundwork. The installer should advise on necessary repairs to ensure it’s ready for solar panel installation and clarify responsibilities for any potential roof damage during the process. Discuss aesthetic concerns, such as the placement of solar panels around roof vents or the possibility of relocating vents for a more visually appealing setup.
– Check the installer’s reputation through online reviews and testimonials. They should be able to connect you with past customers who are willing to share their experiences. Personal recommendations from friends or neighbors who’ve gone solar can also be invaluable.
– Solar installation costs can vary widely, so obtaining multiple quotes is advisable. Experienced installers will adjust their offers to your home’s specifics—size, energy needs, etc. For an objective cost comparison, calculate the price per watt of the proposed system, giving you a standardized basis to evaluate different quotes.
Should You Choose a Local Solar Installer or a Big National Company?
Always choose a local solar company over a big national corporation. Small local companies that operate in a distinct local area are better than multi-state and national solar companies and large corporations. It’s the small local companies who get the best reviews on our website, and it’s the national multistate companies who get very poor reviews. Why so, you may ask?
Solar is a local service business, for the most part, and it is extremely difficult to run a solar company and offer good customer service to many locations from a central office.
Local ones have a community connection, they know the incentives and regulations in the area better, and they simply care more about you than large businesses trying to get into your pocket and overprice you. While multi-state solar companies might try to convince you by financial stability and “quality of installations across different locations”, try to choose a local company that meets all your criteria.
What Does a Solar Installation Look Like?
Here’s how a solar system installation will look like once the design for your solar system is approved:
– First, a solar installer should estimate your energy needs, and analyze your annual and monthly electricity consumption, which you can find on utility bills measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Such calculations will help to understand potential savings, payback period, and the system size you need.
– A home energy audit is something every experienced solar company would do to understand the size and output needed.
– Next question on the list: are your house’s roof conditions good enough for installation? A solar installer should carefully inspect the roof and ensure its conditions and orientation are good to go, how and where to better place solar panels and wire the system.
– Next, they will design the system and show you how it’s going to look.
You will usually need a permit to install solar panels from your local authorities, and the solar provider should handle all the paperwork.
– The entire process might take up to 3 months depending on the state and local regulations, while the system installation is usually up to 3 days (might take longer depending on roof conditions and system complexity).
– The installation crew should always clean up and remove any debris, leaving your house in good condition.
– When the system is installed, it should be checked and approved by local municipality inspection.
– If you’re connecting your system to the grid, it has to be wired to your local utility system. You’ll apply for connection through your utility company, which will also want to inspect your system to ensure it’s following utility guidelines. Some installers may help you with this step, so always ask. Once you have all the permits, your system will be up and running, powering your home with solar.
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