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Solar installers in Virginia
Virginia is one of the top 10 states in the nation for solar energy generation. Over 70 solar installers and developers operate in the state, so homeowners and businesses have plenty of options for solar panel installation. Prices and services vary by installer, which is why it’s important to compare your options.
SaveOnEnergy has compiled some research to help you find the best solar installers near you. Read our review of the top solar companies in Virginia to get started. We also advise you to do your own research, read reviews, and get a few different company quotes before signing a contract.
Best solar installers in Virginia
Due to testing limitations, our team does not have firsthand experience with solar shingles. However, the facts and reviews explained on SaveOnEnergy.com come from proprietary data, solar pricing from Berkeley Lab, and extensive research by our in-house team. We are confident in our product reviews and guidelines for our valued readers through analysis from these sources.
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Compare Virginia solar installers
| Solar company | Local or nationwide? | Year founded | Warranty | Best for |
| ADT Solar | Nationwide | SunPro Solar in 2008; ADT Solar in 2021 | 25 years for workmanship and production | Nationally recognized brand for solar equipment |
| Palmetto | Nationwide | 2010 | 12 years for product and 25 years for performance | Ongoing customer support |
| SunPower | Nationwide | 1985 | 25 years for system, 10 years for monitoring and storage products | Longstanding reputation and top-notch, proprietary equipment |
| Lumina Solar | Local | 2018 | 25 years on equipment, 10 on installation | Newer local installer with great reviews |
| Solar Energy World | Local | 2009 | 30 years parts and labor on purchased systems | Superb warranty coverage |
Get a solar quote in Virginia
These are just a few of the top solar providers in Virginia. SaveOnEnergy works with trusted installers throughout the state. If you want to compare the cost of solar panels in Virginia, fill out this form, and one of our solar experts will reach out to help you get started.
ADT Solar
Fast facts
- Warranty: 25-year manufacturer warranty and 25-year production warranty
- Year founded: ADT Solar acquired Sunpro Solar in 2021; the solar company was originally founded in 2008
- Service area: 23 states, including Virginia
In 2021, ADT Solar, formerly SunPro Solar, ranked second on Solar Power World Magazine’s Top Residential Solar Contractors list. SunPro was established in the industry for nearly 15 years already, and ADT’s purchase only brought more name recognition. The company operates in 23 states, including Virginia, and plans to expand the service area.
ADT Solar offers a compelling 25-year warranty for labor, production, and manufactured materials, which provides customers with peace of mind. You can purchase solar battery storage solutions, solar panel installations, and more from ADT Solar.
What we like: ADT Solar offers exceptional warranty coverage and a top-notch product lineup from major brand names.
What to consider: The parent company, ADT, is new to the solar business.
Palmetto Solar
Fast facts
- Warranty: 12-year product warranty and 25-year production warranty
- Year founded: 2010
- Service area: 24 states, including Virginia and Washington, D.C.
One of the largest national installers, Palmetto offers solar in Virginia, Washington, D.C., and 23 other states. The company is well known for its focus on customer experience and has an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau and an 85% Net Promoter Score for customer service. Palmetto handles all communication between customers and contractors, making for a smooth experience from start to finish.
While its warranties aren’t quite as good as ADT’s, Palmetto still has a competitive 12-year equipment warranty and 25-year performance warranty. It also offers tiered levels of support for a customized experience, along with solar leasing and power purchase agreement (PPA) options.
What we like: Palmetto offers high-quality products and a top-notch customer experience.
What to consider: Warranty coverage isn’t quite as long as some other competitors.
SunPower
Fast facts
- Warranty: 25 years on most of the system, 10 years on its monitoring and storage products
- Years founded: 1985
- Service area: All 50 states
For customers looking for an experienced solar installer in Virginia, SunPower is tough to beat. The company has been around since 1985 and only sells proprietary products. Its panels consistently rank among the best solar panels on the market, but its models tend to be pricier than those from other companies.
In terms of warranty, SunPower covers power, parts, and service on its systems for 25 years. However, this doesn’t include its monitoring technology or SunVault™ Storage Products, which only have a 10-year warranty.
What we like: SunPower is a long-time leading name in the industry with high-quality products.
What to consider: Pricey equipment with some warranty limitations may not appeal to some customers looking to install solar panels for their homes in Virginia.
Lumina Solar
Fast facts
- Warranty: 25 years on equipment, 10 years on installation
- Years founded: 2018
- Service area: Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C.
If you’d prefer a smaller-scale, local installer for solar in Virginia, Lumina Solar may be a great option for you. The company began in 2018 and services three states and Washington, D.C. It has quickly gained a reputation for superb customer service in the region, providing both solar installation and solar roofing services for its customers.
Lumina offers 25-year warranties on its equipment and 10 years for its installation services. Customers can work with Lumina to purchase their systems outright, finance the installation costs, or set up a PPA.
What we like: Lumina is a local installer with an excellent reputation.
What to consider: The company is still relatively new to the business.
Solar Energy World
Fast facts
- Warranty: 30 years parts and labor for purchased systems
- Years founded: 2009
- Service area: Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and 7 other states
Solar Energy World is another local installer for solar panels in Virginia, but this company has been in business almost a decade longer than Lumina. It also has a strong reputation for its equipment and services and offers leasing and PPA options.
However, what really stands out about Solar Energy World is its 30-year warranty for parts and labor on its systems. This is one of the best warranties on the market and might sway some Virginia customers who want assurance that their equipment will last. Keep in mind, though, this warranty doesn’t apply to leased systems.
What we like: Solar Energy World offers one of the best warranties.
What to consider: Although Solar Energy World has a good reputation overall, it does not provide warranties for leased systems.
Other Virginia solar companies to consider:
- Nova Solar: Nova is another local installer that has been in business for over 15 years serving Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.
- Ipsun Solar: Ipsun services the same area as Nova Solar and touts its membership in Amicus, a group of premium solar installers in the U.S.
- Southern Exposure Solar: This local installer boasts a CertainTeed Master Installer designation with a 25-year warranty.
What to consider when choosing a solar company
When looking at solar installers, you’ll want to weigh the cost of solar panel installation in Virginia. That’s not the only factor to consider, however. Be sure to look at all of the following:
- Price, including price per watt: Look at quotes from several companies in terms of price per watt so you can make the most accurate comparisons. Find out if they offer net metering to buy back any extra solar energy you generate.
- Location: Not every national solar installer is available in every state. Be sure to check each installer’s service area to make sure they can install solar panels in Virginia.
- Customer reviews: Reviews are the best way to check a solar installer’s claims. Look for any problems with fulfilling promises, quality of work, installation, or service warranties.
- Experience: If a company is new to the business, make sure it has experienced staff who know how to navigate the installation process and deliver great service.
- Financing options: You may not be in a position to purchase a system outright, even with available tax credits and incentives. If that’s the case, look for installers who can offer financing, leasing, or PPA options.
- Warranty terms: Always read the fine print on warranties to know what’s covered and for how long. Be sure you’re comfortable with the terms.
- Services provided: Find out what’s included in installation services so you know what to expect.
- Average install time: Installation can take a few days to several weeks, depending on the provider.
Difference between solar broker and installer
When comparing options for solar installation in Virginia, it’s important to know the difference between brokers and installers. Brokers handle the sales part of the transaction, while installers will do the physical installation work. Brokers rarely have their own in-house installers, which may be an issue if you’d prefer not to deal with multiple businesses. Find out in advance whether your installer is part of the broker’s company or will handle things separately.