5 Best Solar Companies in Virginia (2025 Reviews)

Why We Chose Blue Raven Solar

Blue Raven Solar has the best financing option in the entire industry, in my opinion. It’s a solar loan called BluePower Plus+, and it bridges the gap between high-savings solar loans and low-upfront-cost leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs). I think it provides the best of both worlds and helps keep solar as accessible and beneficial as possible. I’ll explain this a bit more in a following section, but for now, know that this financing option is one of the best in the industry.

Blue Raven Solar is also a massive company, but it still maintains outstanding customer reviews and provides above-average customer service. It has a 4.28-star rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and a 4.1-star rating on Google Reviews, both of which are well above average and suggest that you’ll get stellar customer service and support from this company.

While I think Blue Raven is the best solar installer in Virginia, there are some drawbacks to consider. Most importantly, its services are limited. It installs panels and batteries, but it offers no add-on services, like roof repair or replacement, EV charger installation or energy efficiency upgrades.

Check out the video below to see how adding a solar battery to your system can affect your savings:

What I Like About Blue Raven Solar

As I mentioned above, I think the best part about going solar with Blue Raven is being able to take advantage of the BluePower Plus+ program. This requires no down payment in some cases, includes 18 months of interest-free financing and still leads to panel ownership and long-term savings. I really wish more installers would start offering this option, as it helps keep solar accessible without removing the benefits to the homeowner, as leases and PPAs tend to do.

Blue Raven is one of few solar installers in Virginia that include a roof leak warranty with all of its installations. Virginia sees above-average rainfall, as well as hurricane and tropical storm activity. The heavy rainfall puts systems at a greater risk of leaks, so I’m pleased to see Blue Raven standing behind its work to offer greater peace of mind to customers.

What I Don’t Like About Blue Raven Solar

The only real downside to choosing Blue Raven Solar, in my opinion, is that you’ll be limited in the system components you can choose. Most disappointing is that it doesn’t install electric vehicle (EV) chargers. Virginia ranks 11th in the country in terms of EV adoption, and the state has a ZEV mandate in place that will require all newly registered vehicles to be ZEVs by 2035. It’s really a shame that Blue Raven doesn’t install EV chargers because the demand for at-home charging will just continue to grow in the coming years.

Blue Raven Solar Installation Process and Timeline

Blue Raven doesn’t have an estimated timeline for installations available on its website, but I expect that the standard 6- to 8-week wait from initial consultation to installation applies.

The installation process is also similar to what you’d see from most other installers. You’ll first have a consultation with a Blue Raven representative to assess your home’s solar viability and gauge your energy demands. Blue Raven will then design a system that suits you, and once you sign off on the design, the company will pull all necessary permits for the installation. When the permits are approved, an in-house installation team will come to install your equipment, and the company will then coordinate all necessary inspections before activating your system.

Blue Raven Solar Standard Services & Financing 

20/25

Blue Raven scores well in our ratings when it comes to the typical services we look for from installers, and although it has one of the best financing options, it does lose some points in this section for not offering leases or PPAs.

Despite Blue Raven’s size, it handles all of its installations using in-house installers, which I’m thrilled to see. Companies that outsource installation labor to third parties aren’t necessarily worse, but I do see a correlation between outsourcing labor and poor customer service, which I expect stems from miscommunications between the companies and the risk of getting a less reputable installer assigned to your project.

Blue Raven installs solar batteries from Tesla and FranklinWH. I don’t generally recommend solar batteries in Virginia because the state currently has a 1-to-1 net metering policy that effectively lets you use your utility provider to store excess power. Batteries do provide power through outages, but in Virginia, they don’t generally save you any additional money. However, Virginia is in the process of reviewing its net metering policies, with Dominion Power and Appalachian Power set to change its net metering policies in 2025. I think batteries will be more of an asset and even necessary to see solar savings in the near future, so I’m happy to see Blue Raven installing them now.

All of Blue Raven’s installation come with access to a free self-monitoring app that lets you track your system performance and savings over time. This lets you monitor for potential production issues, which could mean identifying and correcting problems before they detract significantly from your solar savings.

Cost and Financing Options

Blue Raven Solar accepts cash purchases and solar loans via its BluePower Plus+ program. It’s important to understand the options and how they affect your upfront costs and long-term savings before deciding which is right for you.

With a cash purchase, you’ll have to pay your entire system cost upfront — an average of $36,850 in Virginia, according to our research. Of course, this is unrealistic for most homeowners, so it’s the least accessible option. However, cash purchases lead to the highest savings over time because you won’t pay any interest. On average, you stand to save around $24,633, and that’s after your panels pay for themselves in utility bill savings. Paying in cash also gives you access to most solar incentives, including the federal investment tax credit (ITC), which holds an average potential value of around $11,055 in Virginia.

Solar loans are the next best option, in my opinion. You get the benefit of system ownership, which means outstanding savings and access to the ITC. However, the interest you pay will reduce your lifetime savings by an average of around $5,000, meaning your net savings will be closer to $19,500. Solar loans are more accessible because you’re only on the hook for a small down payment rather than tens of thousands of dollars upfront.

Blue Raven’s BluePower Plus+ program is one of the best financing options in the industry. You’ll have no down payment in many cases — and a small down payment in others — as well as 18 months of interest-free financing to help you get ahead on your loan payments. This option provides the greater accessibility of leases and PPAs with the long-term benefits of a cash purchase.

Blue Raven loses some points in our ratings for not offering leases or PPAs, but I think this is less of a big deal for this provider than most others since the financing option provides many of the same benefits. Plus, leases and PPAs preclude you from taking the ITC and offer minimal savings of around $4,000 to $5,000, so a loan is usually a better option.

Blue Raven Solar Extra Services Offered 

0/5

Unfortunately, Blue Raven really misses the mark when it comes to add-on services that help you get more value out of your system, meaning it’s really only a good option if you know you only want panels and batteries.

First, the company doesn’t offer any roofing services. Before you install panels on your home, you’ll have to make sure your roof is in good condition. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay to uninstall your panels and reinstall them to carry out the necessary repairs or replacements. If you need roof repairs or a new roof before going solar, having access to a company that tackles both is convenient, and it gives you a single provider to hold responsible for any problems.

Blue Raven also loses some points for not offering any energy efficiency upgrades. Some installers offer things like insulation, window and door upgrades, smart thermostat or electrical panel installations and more to help maximize the value of your system and your long-term energy savings. Blue Raven can tackle the solar portion of reducing your carbon footprint, but you might want to vet other providers to make your home more efficient to get the most out of your panels.

I think the biggest downside to going solar with Blue Raven is that it doesn’t install EV chargers. As I mentioned above, Virginia is an early EV adopter, and the state has a ZEV mandate that’s only going to make at-home charging valuable to more and more people. I’d really love to see Blue Raven ad EV chargers to its lineup of services, as I think it will appeal to most Virginia homeowners in the near future.

Finally, Blue Raven doesn’t offer professional monitoring for its solar arrays. You’ll get an app to monitor your system yourself, but it’s more convenient — and often yields more accurate feedback — to have a professional do the monitoring for you.

Blue Raven Solar Environmental Impact & Sustainability Practices

7.5/10

I assess each installer I recommend based on their overall sustainability, as well as the environmental impact their suppliers have. Not only has Blue Raven had a massively positive impact on the environment by helping thousands of homeowners convert to solar, but they also run a charitable donation program called GivePower, which guarantees that a portion of your system and installation cost goes toward bringing clean water and power to countries in need around the world.

I also look at the equipment brands available from each installer, and I give higher ratings to brands that have a track record of sustainable business practices. Converting to solar will almost always have a net positive impact on the environment, but choosing a brand that prioritizes sustainability will maximize that positive impact.

I look for brands that use recycled materials during manufacturing, have recycling programs for their old panels and don’t have a history of ethical or moral issues, like forced labor or unfair pay. Of the brands Blue Raven installs, Maxeon, Panasonic, Canadian Solar, Trina and JA all have outstanding sustainability scores in our rankings. I’d recommend against the Jinko panels from Blue Raven, as the company was recently cited for using forced labor.                                                                                                         

Blue Raven Solar Equipment Quality & Reliability 

21/25

Going solar is expensive no matter where you live, but converting is around 22% more expensive in Virginia than it is in most other states, mostly due to the larger system required to offset above-average energy consumption. That’s why it’s especially important to consider the quality of the equipment you’re purchasing, as well as the warranty coverage that your system comes with.

I assess the quality and performance of solar panel brands based on 18 criteria, and I think 3 of those are especially important to consider in Virginia: the efficiency rating, the degradation rate and the max wind load rating.

The efficiency rating of a panel tells you how efficient your equipment is at converting sunlight into usable electricity. Higher efficiency ratings tend to come with higher costs, but they also generate more power, offset more of your electric bills and lead to greater energy savings. High efficiency ratings are especially helpful in Virginia, where energy consumption is well above average, and high efficiency ratings are necessary to offset that consumption. The most powerful solar panels have efficiency ratings topping out over 22%. All of the options from Blue Raven except for Panasonic meet that standard, and Maxeon panels are the most efficient in the industry at 24.2%.

The degradation rate of a panel is also crucial to consider because it tells you how your panels will perform over time. Slower degradation rates mean your panels will continue to offset your consumption for longer periods, leading to much higher long-term savings. Again, this is crucial in Virginia, as monthly electric bills are already about 10% higher than the national average and are likely to continue to rise. Most tier-one panel brands retain 85% to 92% of their efficiency after 25 years, and all of Blue Raven’s options fall within that range. Maxeon and Panasonic are the best of the bunch at the full 92% for long-term power production.

The max wind load rating of a panel tells you what upward force from winds your panels can withstand. This is an important consideration in many states on the east coast, including Virginia, where hurricanes and tropical storms can bring strong winds that threaten rooftop solar equipment. The average wind load rating among tier-one panels is 3,520 Pascals (Pa). JA, Canadian Solar and Jinko panels from Blue Raven fall below that average, with ratings of 1,600, 2,400 and 2,400 Pa, respectively. The rest of the options are above average, with Maxeon once again being the best at 5,400 Pa.

For long-term power, performance, durability and savings, I’d personally recommend Maxeon panels. In fact, Maxeon panels are the ones I installed on my own home.

Warranties and Guarantees

It’s also crucial to look at the warranty coverage you get with your system, as this will guarantee performance and peace of mind over the long haul. I look at 4 types of warranty coverage when assessing solar installers.

First, I look at the equipment warranty. This usually comes from the panel manufacturer, but your installer passess the coverage through to you. It protects you from manufacturer defects, and the coverage typically lasts for 25 years. All of the brands from Blue Raven meet that standard except Jinko and JA panels, which only include 12 years of coverage. Maxeon is the industry leader, offering a 40-year equipment warranty.

Next, I look at the performance warranty, which is what guarantees your panels will retain a certain level of production potential over time for long-term savings. Most manufacturers guarantee between 85% and 92% of the initial efficiency remaining after 25 years, which helps ensure you get continued performance from your system. All of Blue Raven’s panel brands meet these standards, but once again, Maxeon is the industry leader, guaranteeing the full 92% after 25 years and extending its performance warranty to 40 years overall.

Third, I consider the labor warranty, also called the workmanship warranty. This coverage comes directly from your installer in most cases and has nothing to do with the manufacturer. Instead, it ensures the installation is done properly and that the labor won’t be the cause of system or property damage. The average labor warranty is 12 years, and unfortunately, Blue Raven falls just a touch short of the standard here and covers its installation labor for 10 years.

Finally, I look to see if the installer includes a roof leak warranty. This is uncommon in the industry, but it’s a great piece of coverage to have in Virginia, where annual rainfall is above the national average and leaks are naturally more of a risk. I’m thrilled to see Blue Raven not only offer a roof leak warranty, but offer one for 10 years, which is longer than most companies that do provide this kind of coverage. This should deliver the ultimate peace of mind that your system will be issue-free for years to come.

Blue Raven Solar Company Reputation 

22.5/25

In a state with over 90 solar installers like Virginia, a good way to cut through the noise is to maintain a great company reputation in the local industry, and that’s exactly what Blue Raven does.

First off, it has been around since 2014, meaning it has a decade of experience and success behind it. In areas with above-average demand for solar — keep in mind that Virginia ranks 9th in the country for solar adoption — companies are more likely to pop up to take advantage and turn a quick profit. Unfortunately, these companies are, in the best case, more likely to go out of business and void your warranty coverage in the process. In the worst case, they present a higher risk of property damage and installation issues because they have far less to lose. Blue Raven’s longevity in the industry doesn’t prove that you’ll have a positive experience, but in my opinion, it makes it more likely that you’ll be pleased with the service you get.

Blue Raven loses a few points in our ratings because it’s not a member of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Membership is another good way to prove a company’s commitment to the solar industry, which also suggests that it will stick around and maintain your warranty coverage.

However, I’m happy to report that Blue Raven’s installers are certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). NABCEP certification requires highly-specialized training to install photovoltaic (PV) equipment, so certification makes it even more likely that you’ll have a positive experience and a system that functions properly.

Finally, Blue Raven gets maximum points in our ratings for customer review scores. It has an A+ rating and a 4.28-star customer rating on the BBB’s site, as well as a 4.1-star customer rating on Google Reviews. These scores suggest that, despite Blue Raven’s size and reach, the company still prioritizes customer satisfaction and does a good job of standing behind its products, even after the installation is complete.

Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

I’ve read through hundreds of Blue Raven Solar reviews over the past few years, and I looked through a few dozen in preparation to write this article. Positive reviews mention things like great communication and professionalism throughout the entire installation process, systems that meet energy demands and expectations and the company’s willingness to respond quickly to warranty claims. Negative reviews highlight what seem to be isolated issues with communication and system failures, although I will say that Blue Raven responds to all of the complaints on the BBB’s website and seems to be doing what it can to resolve the problems.

I’ll include 1 positive and 1 negative Blue Raven Solar review below to give you a snapshot of the customer service you could get in the best- and worst-case scenarios.

“Absolutely wonderful experience with them! From the initial overview to installation, Blue Raven continued to be professional, communicative, and on top of everything that went into getting solar set up. We’ve worked with other solar companies in our previous house who took over a year [from] start to finish, but Blue Raven took only a couple of months [from] start to finish.” — Brenda R. via BBB

“Started out very good. Good communication and friendly people. My salesperson was easy to work with and very informative. However, after I signed the paperwork to move forward with installation, it was a disaster. The communication was basically non existent, they tried changing the price compared to what I signed off on and it took way longer to install than they said. I signed papers in May and it’s the end of September now and the panels just got installed. And I have to wait for inspections still. So it won’t be up and running until sometime in October I would assume. The installers were great but this was probably the worst experience I’ve ever had in sales of service. I would not recommend at this point.” — Chris V. via BBB

Blue Raven Solar Customer Service 

10/10

The last portion of our company review process aims to assess the likelihood that you’ll have a positive experience. To that end, I read through dozens of positive and negative reviews to see what issues there are and what the company does well, and I also call the company as a secret shopper to see what the initial service is like.

As I mentioned above, most of the reviews for Blue Raven are positive, and the issues that do exist seem to be one-off problems and certainly not the norm for the company. Most importantly, the problems aren’t major red flags, like a lack of communication regarding warranty claims or deceptive marketing and sales tactics. Most people have a positive experience with Blue Raven, and after my assessment of customer reviews, I’d be very comfortable putting my faith and money in this company.

My secret shopper call was also a great experience. The representative was not only friendly and helpful, but they were also aware of the potential upcoming changes to net metering in Virginia, which I was thrilled with. They were honest about the benefits and drawbacks of battery storage, which, again, I think suggests you’ll have a positive experience with honest salespeople and installers.

Why We Chose Solar SME

Solar SME is a smaller operation than Blue Raven, but it provides many of the same benefits, like an in-house installation team for increased accountability and more predictable customer service, financing options that help keep solar accessible but also beneficial in the long run and a long company history with positive customer reviews that suggest you’ll be pleased with the service and support you get.

Solar SME sets itself apart from the competition, in my opinion, because of the warranty coverage it includes with its systems. You get the standard 25-year equipment and performance warranties, plus a 25-year workmanship warranty, which is more than double the industry standard. The company doesn’t appear to offer a specific roof leak warranty, but the workmanship warranty alone is outstanding.

Solar SME is a great option to consider in Virginia, but there are some drawbacks to be aware of before you commit. It’s a little light when it comes to add-on services, much like Blue Raven, and there’s also the lack of a roof leak warranty to think about.

What I Like About Solar SME

Solar SME is a fairly large regional company, but it doesn’t let its size get in the way of providing excellent customer service. It maintains an incredible 4.79-star customer rating on the BBB along with an A company rating, as well as a 4.5-star rating on Google Reviews. In a state like Virginia, where there are so many options when it comes to installers, I think this kind of customer service history makes the decision much easier and helps ensure you’ll have a positive experience.

What I Don’t Like About Solar SME

One drawback of going with Solar SME is the lack of roof leak coverage. You get stellar warranty protection for equipment, panel performance and the installation labor, so it would be really nice if the company also offered a roof leak warranty. It would be especially useful in Virginia, too, due to the above-average rainfall in the state.

The only other drawback I see regarding Solar SME is that it only offers a handful of add-on services. Thankfully, those include EV chargers, but if you want a company that can monitor your system for defects or performance issues or carry out roof work alongside your installation, you’ll have to look elsewhere.

Solar SME Installation Process and Timeline

Solar SME doesn’t appear to have an estimated installation timeline on its website, but I’d guess based on customer reviews that you’re looking at the typical wait of 6 to 8 weeks from the consultation to the day your panels start generating power for your home.

It does offer a list of steps to expect, though, and it’s about what you’d get from most other companies. You’ll start with an initial consultation and in-person property inspection. The company will then design a system to meet your needs and send you the design for approval. Solar SME will then pull all necessary permits, install your system once they’re approved and schedule final inspections before activating your system.

Solar SME Standard Services & Financing 

25/25

I’m pleased to report that Solar SME tackles all of the basic solar services and offers all of the major financing options we look for in an installer, so it gets perfect marks in this portion of our review process.

First, it carries out all of the installation labor using an in-house team of installers. I prefer this over companies who outsource the labor because you’ll always know exactly who’s working on your home. You’re more likely to have a positive customer service experience, too, as there’s a single company responsible for maintaining communication and carrying out the preparation and installation.

Second, it offers solar batteries alongside panels and can even carry out off-grid solar solutions, which many companies don’t handle. As I mentioned before, solar batteries are currently more of a luxury in Virginia than a necessity. They let you maintain power during outages, which can be helpful during hurricane season, but the current net metering policy means they’ll cost you money to install but won’t save you money over time. I should note that the net metering policy in Virginia is currently under review and subject to change for the 2 largest utility companies in the state in 2025. I’m happy to see batteries offered for future utility, but for now, they remain more of a luxury item.

Solar SME’s installations come with access to a free mobile app that lets you monitor your system’s performance. This is a cool feature to have to track savings, but it also lets you identify production problems and get repairs underway as quickly as possible before you lose too much in savings. Most companies offer this through their equipment brands, but it’s still a feature worth mentioning.

Cost and Financing Options

Solar SME doesn’t have the kind of industry-defining solar financing option that Blue Raven has, but does accept all of the major financing options, which I love to see.

You can choose to pay in cash if you go solar with Solar SME, in which case you’ll have to pay the entire system cost upfront — that’s around $36,850 without incentives, making cash the least accessible option overall. However, you’ll own your system immediately, which means you’ll see the highest long-term savings possible — over $24,600, on average. Paying in cash also means you can take the ITC, which holds an average potential value of over $11,000 in Virginia, if you can take the entire credit.

A solar loan is far more accessible because you’ll usually just need a few thousand dollars saved up for the down payment. You can also take the ITC if you go with a solar loan. However, you will pay interest on your loan, which typically amounts to around $5,000 over the life of the loan. This will cut into your lifetime savings and bring them down from around $24,600 to about $19,600, on average.

Unlike Blue Raven, Solar SME also accepts solar leases and PPAs. These are nice options to have because they require no money down, making them far more accessible. These options do come with some significant downsides, though. First, they only save a total of around $5,000, which is a quarter to a fifth of what you’d save if you went with a loan or cash payment. They also preclude you from taking the ITC, so you miss out on a potential value of around $11,000 in incentives reserved for homeowners who also own their panels. Finally, leases and PPAs can complicate the sale of your home if the buyer doesn’t want to assume the agreement.

Solar SME Extra Services Offered

2/5

Solar SME is lacking a bit when it comes to the add-on services I typically look for in a solar installer. Much like Blue Raven, it doesn’t handle roof repair or replacement, so if your roof isn’t in great condition and doesn’t have at least a decade of useful life left in it, your representative will likely advise you to replace your roof before going solar. You’ll have to find and vet your own roofing company, which can be time-consuming, and you also then have 2 companies that can point fingers at each other if something goes wrong. If I had to replace my roof before going solar, I would have looked for a solar company that could handle it in-house for those reasons.

It does offer some energy efficiency upgrades, which tend to be especially beneficial and worthwhile in areas with above-average energy consumption, like Virginia. Solar SME can install solar carports to help you get a larger system than your roof could comfortably support, which is helpful particularly for homeowners with small roofs, roofs that don’t face due south and a high level of electricity consumption. The company also offers backup generators, so you can forgo the batteries — provided you go solar before the net metering policy in Virginia is downgraded — and still have an option for backup power during power outages.

I’m also thrilled to see that Solar SME installs EV chargers. Virginia is one of the top states in the country for EV adoption, with around 85,000 EV’s registered as of 2024. Not only are EV chargers useful for many homeowners already, but the state has a ZEV mandate in place that will require all newly registered cars to be ZEVs by 2035, so the demand for at-home charging is absolutely going to increase in the coming years.

Solar SME loses a few additional points in our ratings because it doesn’t offer professional monitoring services. Companies that offer to monitor your system remotely to identify problems and get solutions underway to protect your savings take the responsibility off of you, so it’s a nice feature for peace of mind.

Solar SME Environmental Impact & Sustainability Practices 

7.5/10

Going solar is one of the best things you can do to reduce your contribution to global warming and limit your carbon footprint. The average homeowner in Virginia uses around 1,095 kilowatt-hours of electricity per month and relies on burning fossil fuels to generate that power. Going solar means the equivalent offset of over 10,000 pounds of coal being burned every single year. While converting to solar will have a major positive effect on the environment, you can go the extra mile by choosing an installer and panel manufacturer that also do their part.

Solar SME doesn’t appear to make any charitable donations or support local solar organizations, but it did receive the Sustainability Award in 2023, and it has undoubtedly had a major impact on the environment simply because it has helped so many customers convert to solar.

It also works with panels from Panasonic, Silfab, Trina, REC and QCells, and I assessed all of these brands based on their overall sustainability. I prefer to recommend brands that use recycled materials during production, have recycling programs to keep old panels out of landfills and don’t have a history of moral issues, like forced labor or unsafe working conditions in factories. All of these companies tie with a few other brands for first in our sustainability rankings, and they only lose points for not completing most of the manufacturing inside the U.S.

Solar SME Equipment Quality & Reliability 

17.85/25

Since going solar is so expensive, I always review installers based on the quality of the equipment they install and the length of the warranty coverage you get with your system. Better quality and reliability should mean greater savings in the long run and fewer headaches with system outages and damage. I compare brands based on many factors, but I think 3 are particularly important in Virginia: the panel efficiency, the degradation rate and the wind load rating.

The panel efficiency tells you how much of the available sunlight your panels will be able to convert into energy for your home. Higher ratings mean more production and, consequently, more savings on your utility bills. I think efficiency ratings are most important in areas like Virginia, where consumption rates are well above average and demand higher performance to see a total offset. The best solar panels have efficiency ratings of 22% or higher. Panasonic and Silfab panels from Solar SME fall just under this at 21.2% and 21.4%, respectively, but all other options from the installer hit that 22% mark. Trina panels have the highest of the options at 23%.

The panel degradation rate tells you how quickly that starting efficiency will be lost. All panels lose efficiency over time, and those that retain a higher percentage of the original efficiency will yield greater long-term savings because they’ll continue to offset more of your electric bills for longer. Again, this is a crucial thing to consider in Virginia, where consumption rates are high and energy prices are on the rise. Most tier-one panel brands guarantee between 85% and 92% remaining after 25 years, and all of the brands from Solar SME meet that standard. REC and Panasonic are the best options for longevity, as they guarantee the full 92%.

The wind load rating of a panel tells you how much uplift force from wind your panels can withstand, which is an important thing to think about in Virginia, where thunderstorms, tropical storms and hurricanes can bring intense winds that can threaten rooftop systems. The average wind load rating among the top panel brands is 3,520 Pascals (Pa). All of the brands available from Solar SME provide at least that. Silfab is the leader of the pack, with a wind load rating of 5,400 Pa.

Warranties and Guarantees

I also think it’s important to look at the warranty coverage you get with your system, as this will give you a good sense of how well your system is protected — and protection is an important thing to have when you’re paying $35,000+ for your system. I look at 4 types of solar warranties to assess what kind of peace of mind you can expect.

Equipment warranties typically come from your manufacturer and get passed to you through your installer. These protect you from damages that could occur due to manufacturer defects. Most manufacturers offer a 25-year equipment warranty, and all of the brands available from Solar SME meet that standard.

Performance warranties also come from the manufacturer in most cases. They guarantee that your panels will retain a certain percentage of their initial efficiency — usually between 85% and 92% — after a certain period of time — usually 25 years. All of the brands available from Solar SME fall within that range and include at least 25 years of coverage. Silfab goes above and beyond with a 30-year warranty for even greater peace of mind. Remember, a slower degradation rate means higher savings in the long run, especially in an area like Virginia, where consumption rates are well above average.

Labor warranties typically come from the installer, and they protect you from system and property damages that result from the actual installation labor. A lengthy labor warranty is a great way to help guarantee that you’re getting a professional and highly-trained installer. The average labor warranty is 12 years, and Solar SME goes well above and beyond by providing a 25-year workmanship warranty. This should instill tons of confidence that you’re getting a real solar expert to handle your installation.

Finally, roof leak warranties protect you specifically from roof leaks through the penetrations made to install your panels. This kind of coverage can be particularly beneficial in areas like Virginia, where the annual precipitation is above the national average and the risk of roof leaks is naturally higher than in most other states. Unfortunately, Solar SME doesn’t offer a roof leak, which is the standard in the solar industry.

Solar SME Company Reputation

21.5/25

I think a company’s reputation in the local solar market is a great way to assess whether or not you’ll have a positive experience with a provider, so I’m pleased to see Solar SME scoring so highly in our ratings.

The company was founded in 2014 and has a decade of experience behind it. I prefer to recommend companies that have 10 years of experience or more, as they’ve proven that they’re here to stay and are less likely to go out of business and take your warranty coverage with them. Too often, especially in high-demand states like Virginia, I see providers come on the scene and go out of business just a few years later when they aren’t able to keep up with the immense competition.

Solar SME not only uses in-house installers, but it also uses installers that are NABCEP-certified. Certification requires specialized training with PV installations, so having NABCEP-certified installers working on your project makes it that much more likely to go smoothly and help you avoid delays and frustration along the way.

The company isn’t an SEIA member, so it did lose a few points in our ratings. Membership is a good way to confirm a financial commitment to the local solar industry, so I prefer to recommend companies that maintain membership.

Finally, Solar SME maintains outstanding customer ratings across multiple sites, including a 4.79-star rating on the BBB’s website and a 4.5-star rating on Google Reviews. These are well above the industry average and suggest that you’ll more than likely have an overwhelmingly positive experience if you choose this provider. I should also mention that maintaining those scores over a period of 10 years is particularly impressive and tells of the company’s commitment to customer service.

Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

Over my years of researching and writing about solar installers, I’ve noticed that a company’s reputation speaks volumes about the quality of service you’ll receive. Choosing an installer with a solid and positive company reputation is a great way to secure an installation that won’t lead to headaches, miscommunication and high out-of-pocket costs for repairs. I read through dozens of reviews for Solar SME to gauge what you can expect from this provider.

Most of the reviews are positive and mention things like good communication, excellent support for warranty claims after the installation, transparent pricing and honest salespeople. There are some negative reviews, as well, most of which mention problems with the installation and delays in the company getting someone out to fix them. At least on the BBB, all of the negative reviews are from 2022, so it looks like these were isolated issues that the company has since resolved.

I’ll include 1 positive and 1 negative review below to give you an idea of the best and worst this company has to offer.

“I bought my system last year and they’ve been great from beginning to end. The first set of panels arrived broken because the shipper didn’t pack them correctly and Solar SME ensured I had another set within a week. They have been on the spot when I’ve had issues and just left after doing on site repairs. Their people are polite and professional at all times. Great company and people.” — Jim B. via BBB

“Overall, the system is now functional after about a 6 month process. Some frustrations mostly in lack of communication and not having a local installation team. We had to wait 2 weeks for an electrician to come back and tighten a wire after the initial inspection failed and then no one was in the area to resolve a supposed wiring issue affecting how the system was being monitored in the Enlighten app. If I had to do [it] over again, I would recommend going with a local installer or at least one that is within 2 hours from my home, as they are based out of TX. Not the worst experience, but many improvements could be made.” — Sherry W. via BBB

Solar SME Customer Service 

10/10

Finally, I reviewed Solar SME based on its overall customer service and how likely you are to have a positive experience. First, I read through a few dozen customer reviews, including positive and negative ones from recent and past installations. In 2022, it looks like the company had some isolated problems with smooth installations, but since then, it has clearly stepped up its game and refocused on a positive customer experience. Nearly all of the recent reviews are 5 stars, which I love to see.

I also called the company as a secret shopper and was pleased with how they spoke to me and how knowledgeable the rep was. They were friendly and professional, willing and able to answer questions and didn’t seem overly pushy to get me to schedule an in-person consultation. They were up to date on upcoming changes to Virginia’s net metering policy, which is a good sign that you’ll be working with an industry expert, and they discussed the implications of going solar now as opposed to waiting until the net metering policy changes. Overall, I was pleased with the call and am confident it “walks the walk” and can deliver on its stellar reputation and promises of transparent pricing.

Why We Chose Nova Solar

If you want to make sure you have a positive experience when going solar, I’d strongly recommend considering Nova Solar. This provider stands out most because it maintains nearly perfect customer review ratings across multiple sites, including a 5-star rating on the BBB’s website and Google Reviews. For a company that has been around for nearly a decade, this is unheard of, especially in the solar industry. Based on the reviews I read through, I’m confident that you’ll be thrilled with the communication from Nova, as well as the company’s professionalism and post-installation support.

Nova Solar also offers a 25-year labor warranty, which is more than double the industry standard of 12 years. This is always great to see from an installer, but when the company also has perfect customer reviews scores like Nova, you’re all but guaranteed to get timely responses and resolutions to any warranty issues you might experience.

While Nova is a great option for customer service and labor coverage, it’s not perfect. It doesn’t accept leases or PPAs, so its systems and services aren’t as accessible as those from an installer that does entertain no-money-down payment options. It also doesn’t offer many add-on services, so it’s best if you just want a basic system. 

What I Like About Nova Solar

I think the most appealing thing about Nova Solar is the customer service experience that every customer seems to get. Reviews online are unanimously positive, which I so rarely see in the solar industry. The company appears to use fair and honest marketing and sales tactics, and it honors warranties and responds to claims quickly, based on customer reviews.

Nova Solar also uses in-house installers that are certified by NABCEP, which means a more professional installation with a lower risk of something going wrong.

What I Don’t Like About Nova Solar

While I don’t recommend leases or PPAs to most customers, it is kind of a shame that Nova doesn’t accept them because they help keep solar more affordable and accessible. It also doesn’t offer a roof leak warranty, which is more of a con in Virginia — where precipitation levels are above average — than it would be in most other states.

As I mentioned above, Nova has few add-on services available, too, so it’s more of a bare-bones installer than many other competitors in the area.

Nova Solar Installation Process and Timeline

Nova Solar details its installation process on its website, and it looks similar to the process most other installers follow. You’ll start with your initial consultation and property assessment. Nova can do this partially online using satellite imaging, but it will also need to do an in-person inspection. Next, the company will design your system and submit the plans to you for approval. Once you approve them, Nova will pull all necessary permits for the installation. When the permits are issued, Nova’s in-house installation team will install your equipment and then set up any necessary final inspections before turning your system on.

Nova Solar doesn’t have an estimated timeline for its installation process, but based on the customer reviews I read through, it looks like it will take the typical 6 to 8 weeks. Much of that time is waiting for permits, and the actual installation process will usually take just a single day.

Nova Solar Standard Services & Financing 

20/25

Nova Solar offers all of the standard services we look for from installers, and it loses just a few points in this section of our ratings because it has limited financing options available.

It scores some points because it uses in-house installers rather than outsourcing to third-party companies. Companies that outsource the labor aren’t necessarily bad, but I feel they do increase the risk of delays and issues due to the potential for poor communication between the parties. Additionally, in-house installation teams tend to be more concerned with providing a positive customer experience because their reputations are directly on the line. I personally went solar with a company that used an in-house installation team, and I typically recommend going that route.

Nova Solar offers the basics, including panels and batteries. I’m happy to see batteries as an available add-on because they’re nice options to have in areas like Virginia, where extreme weather means a higher risk of power outages. I will say, though, that as of this writing, I don’t recommend batteries for most Virginia homeowners. The net metering rate is currently 1-to-1, so batteries don’t add to your long-term solar savings. Just keep in mind that the NEM policy is going through a review process for the 2 largest utility providers in Virginia — Appalachian and Dominion — so batteries might be necessary in the near future. As such, I’m glad to see Nova offering them.

The equipment brands that Nova works with include access to a free mobile app that lets you monitor your system. You’ll get this from most installers, and it provides a convenient way to track your system’s performance over time to identify and fix issues more quickly. If you’re diligent about checking production, you could end up with higher savings in the long run.

Cost and Financing Options

Nova Solar only accepts cash purchases and solar loans, so it loses some points in our rankings for not entertaining leases or PPAs. The option you choose plays a major role in your upfront costs and long-term savings, so you should understand all of the options before deciding which is right for you.

With a cash purchase, you pay for your system upfront in cash. This is the least realistic option because you’ll need to have an average of around $36,850 saved up to go this route. However, you’ll immediately own your panels, so all of your monthly utility bill savings go toward paying back your upfront costs. Avoiding interest and lease payments means your panels should pay for themselves in an average of 12 years. The following 13+ years of remaining system life will provide the highest savings of any financing option: an average net savings of around $24,633. Paying in cash also lets you take the ITC, which holds a potential value of around $11,000, on average in Virginia.

Going solar with a loan is much more attainable because you’ll only have to pay a few thousand dollars upfront. You’ll pay off your loan in installments after that point, and the interest will cut into your net savings. You can expect net savings of around $19,600 if you go with a loan, due to the interest adding up to around $5,000, on average. Loans still lead to panel ownership, so you can take advantage of the ITC to effectively reduce your system cost.

A solar lease is just a rental agreement for panels. You pay a monthly rental fee, but the power your panels generate go toward saving you money starting in month 1 of system ownership. PPAs are unique in that you pay no rental fee and instead agree to buy electricity from your solar installer, usually at a rate that’s lower than the retail rate. Both leases and PPAs should still save you money, but only around $4,000 to $5,000, which is much lower than you’d see from the other financing options. These options don’t lead to panel ownership, so you can’t take the ITC, but they’re the most accessible because they require no money down and usually lead to instant monthly savings.

I typically don’t recommend leases or PPAs because they don’t offer the same long-term benefits that cash and loans do, but I do still like to see companies offering them to keep solar as accessible as possible. As such, we deducted a few points from Nova due to the lack of these no-money-down options.

Nova Solar Extra Services Offered 

1/5

Nova covers the basics well, but it loses quite a few points in our ratings when it comes to the add-on services I like to see offered by installers.

Nova doesn’t offer any roofing services, which means you’ll have to find a separate roofing company if you need repairs or a full replacement before you can install solar panels. Installers will usually advise you to replace your roof before going solar if it has fewer than 5 to 10 years of life left in it or if you have evidence of leaking. Some solar installers have certified roofers on staff, which means they can tackle the roof work and the solar installation together as one service. Not only can this save you money, but it also leaves you with just one company to hold responsible if there’s an issue. It would be nice if Nova provided access to roofing services, too.

Nova also doesn’t offer any energy efficiency upgrades. Some installers have other products and services to help boost your home’s efficiency and maximize the value of your solar array, like smart thermostats, smart electrical panels, new insulation and more. Not only do these add-ons suggest that a company really understands the bigger picture of solar, but they’re especially beneficial from a financial standpoint in areas like Virginia, where monthly energy consumption is well above the national average.

Nova also loses points in our ratings for not offering professional monitoring services. Some companies give you access to a self-monitoring app but also offer professional monitoring, which means you get access to the app but aren’t responsible for tracking system performance and identifying problems. Professional monitoring offers greater peace of mind that you’ll get long-term value out of your system with no added responsibility, so it’s a shame that Nova doesn’t offer this service.

Nova Solar does score some points for extra services because it installs EV chargers, and honestly, I think this is one of the more important add-on options to have in Virginia. Not only is Virginia one of the top states in the country for EV adoption, but the ZEV mandate is only going to make at-home charging stations more and more valuable in the coming years. I’m pleased to see Nova offering customers the opportunity to future-proof their systems and boost the value they get from them by providing access to EV chargers now.

Nova Solar Environmental Impact & Sustainability Practices 

7.5/10

Installing solar panels on your home means a massive benefit to the environment; you’re trading your reliance on fossil fuels for clean, renewable energy, which means you’ll significantly reduce your carbon footprint and contribution to global warming. Choosing an installer and manufacturer that also make sustainability a priority is a good way to maximize your impact on the ecosystem.

Nova’s positive impact on the environment largely comes from the fact that it has helped customers reduce their CO2 emissions and convert their homes to renewable energy. However, it also supports the local solar industry, as is evidenced by its SEIA membership, and it follows the environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles set forth by the SEIA for sustainability. Furthermore, Nova Solar has partnered with project: HOMES, which helps bring solar to low-income households and elderly residents.

I also look at the equipment brands that each installer partners with to gauge how sustainable the manufacturers are. Nova Solar installs panels from REC, Atmos and LA. Of these 3, REC is the only tier-one brand and the one I recommend. It ties for the most sustainable panel brands in our solar panel review standards, as the company uses recycled materials in manufacturing, it has a recycling program for spent panels and it doesn’t have a history of socially unsustainable business practices, like forced labor, unsafe working conditions or racism in the workplace.

Nova Solar Equipment Quality & Reliability

16.85/25

Going solar is about 22% more expensive in Virginia than it is in most other states, largely because systems need to be larger in the Old Dominion to cover above-average rates of electricity consumption. That’s why I think it’s even more crucial in Virginia than elsewhere in the country to consider the quality, durability and reliability of the equipment you have installed. I compare panel brands based on 18 metrics, 3 of which I think are especially important in your area: the panel efficiency, the panel degradation rate and the wind load rating.

Panel efficiency is a rating that tells you what percentage of the sunlight that hits your panel it will be able to convert into usable energy. This is one of the most important panel metrics to consider, in my opinion, especially in Virginia, where higher efficiency ratings help offset above-average rates of consumption. The best solar panels for homes have efficiency ratings of 22% or higher. The REC panels from Nova have a max efficiency rating of 22.6%, putting them among the most efficient options available.

The degradation rate of a panel tells you the performance you can expect over long periods. All panels lose efficiency, but the slower the degradation rate, the longer your panels are likely to serve you and continue to offset consumption. Again, this is more crucial in Virginia than in most other states because of the above-average electricity usage. Slower degradation rates will help maximize your solar savings over time and potentially offset your electric bills for decades to come. Most tier-one brands guarantee your panels won’t lose more than 15% efficiency over 25 years, and the best guarantee no more than an 8% loss in that time. The REC panels available from Nova are well-suited for Virginia residents, as they guarantee no more than an 8% loss over 25 years — the best in the industry.

The wind load rating of a panel tells you what kind of upward force your panels will be able to resist, which is an important consideration in places like Virginia, where thunderstorms, hurricanes and tropical storms can bring high wind speeds that threaten panels with lower wind load ratings. The average wind load rating among tier-one panels is 3,520 Pascals (Pa). The REC panels from Nova sit just above this at 4,000 Pa. As such, I expect them to have excellent longevity, even in Virginia’s occasionally extreme weather.

Warranties and Guarantees

Panel durability and specifications are great things to look at to gauge your system’s longevity, but warranty coverage is really what guarantees the performance and durability you want and need after investing tens of thousands of dollars in your PV equipment. I recommend considering 4 types of solar warranties to help you decide on the company that will provide the best protection for your system: warranties for the equipment, panel production, labor and roof leaks.

The equipment warranty that comes with your system tells you how long you’re guaranteed not to experience issues caused by manufacturer defects. The standard equipment warranty in the solar industry lasts for 25 years, and the REC panels available from Nova — the only brand from this installer I recommend, as it’s the only tier-one brand — meets that standard.

The performance warranty, in my opinion, is even more important, especially in Virginia, where monthly electricity consumption is well above the national average. This coverage guarantees that your panels won’t lose more than a specific percentage of their starting efficiency over the warranty term, and brands that guarantee slower degradation rates are more likely to offset your energy bills for longer, leading to greater long-term savings. Most tier-one panel brands guarantee that your panels won’t lose more than between 8% and 15% of their initial efficiency over 25 years, and REC panels rank among the best in the industry, guaranteeing no more than the minimum 8% degradation in that time period

The labor warranty is what ensures the installation labor won’t cause damage to your equipment or your property, so a lengthy labor warranty should guarantee your installation team is professional and respectful of your property. The average labor warranty lasts for 12 years, and Nova more than doubles that with a 25-year labor warranty. I’m not surprised that the company stands behind its work for so long, given its use of in-house installers, its NABCEP certification and its stellar customer reviews.

Finally, roof leak warranties guarantee that the penetrations made on your roof won’t leak for the warranty term. Roof leaks are one of the most common issues homeowners report related to solar installations, and they’re more of a risk in areas like Virginia, where annual rainfall is well above average. Most installers don’t offer a roof leak warranty, and, unfortunately, Nova Solar is one such company.

Nova Solar Company Reputation 

22.5/25

It probably comes as no surprise, given that we chose Nova as the best solar installer in Virginia for customer service, that it has one of the highest ratings when it comes to company reputation.

It loses just a few points for company history because we prefer to recommend companies with a full decade of experience, and Nova falls just short of that with 9 years of success behind it. Companies that have been operating for a decade or more have proven that they have what it takes to last in an industry as competitive as solar, and they’re less likely to go out of business and void your warranty coverage in the process. Come 2025, Nova will have that full decade of experience, and its reputation score will sit even higher than it does now.

The company is also an SEIA member, so it has financial skin in the game and is committed to the local solar industry. This helps further establish Nova Solar as an authority in the area and a company that is likely to continue its success streak in the future.

We also deducted just a few points because of the company’s reach and service area. Installers that cover most of the country not only appeal to a wider customer base but also tend to have a larger positive impact on the environment, given their number of installations. I don’t think this should dissuade you from going with Nova in Virginia, of course, but it’s one reason Nova lost some points in our rankings.

More importantly, in my opinion, Nova uses NABCEP-certified installers, which means you’re guaranteed to get a professional and highly-trained installer managing your project who has undergone training above and beyond what’s required by law in the State of Virginia. Generally speaking, that additional training should help avoid installation issues that could lead to system or property damage.

Finally, I looked at Nova Solar’s aggregate review scores on a few websites, and I haven’t found a single negative review, which is unprecedented in general but especially in the solar industry. It has an A+ rating from the BBB, as well as 5-star customer ratings on both the BBB and Google Reviews. If past performance is indicative of a company’s likelihood of providing outstanding customer service — and I believe it is — then Nova should offer one of the best experiences going solar that money can buy.

Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

In addition to looking at the total customer rating scores, I also read through dozens of Nova Solar reviews to see what customers liked about their experiences and what the company could stand to improve. Positive reviews mention things like transparent and honest marketing tactics and pricing, honest salespeople, great communication and the company’s willingness to stand behind its systems and its labor by responding quickly to warranty claims.

I usually include 1 positive and 1 negative review to give you a snapshot of what you can expect from an installer, but I have to include 2 positive reviews for Nova, as there are no negative reviews at all on the platforms I checked.

“Nova Solar was fantastic to work with. I installed solar panels on my almost 200 year old house. From the first email inquiry to the final wrap up they were stellar with communication. Installation was a breeze. They were a huge advocate for me when interacting with my electric company. I cant recommend them enough! Thank you Nova Solar!” — Tara B. via BBB

“Nova Solar gave a very competitive offer once contacted after giving some basic information and my energy usage history. They were responsive to any questions I had before committing to a solar system, and were never pushy. Once the process started they were in constant contact through the entire process, including checking in while waiting for the county to finish with permits. In addition, the document preparation, from HOA approvals to SRECs Markets to tax forms was incredibly helpful, and I had to do almost nothing. The installation was relatively fast, done in about half a day.” — Chris L. via BBB

Nova Solar Customer Service 

10/10

If there’s one thing Nova Solar does correctly, it’s providing unmatched customer service. I verified this not only by reading through dozens of customer reviews but also by calling the company myself as a secret shopper.

As I mentioned, every single one of the reviews I found online was positive. I so rarely see this from solar installers, and it should serve as social proof that your experience will be a good one.

My secret shopper call to Nova also went well. I was connected with a rep after a very brief hold, they answered questions and spent time explaining the entire process and were knowledgeable and honest about Virginia’s current net metering policies and the changes the policy is currently undergoing. Overall, I was very impressed with the call and how friendly and informative the representative was, and I would have no reservations hiring Nova to install solar on my own home.

Why We Chose Palmetto Solar

I chose Palmetto Solar primarily because of its lease buy-out option, which gives you the upfront benefit of not having to put any money down to have solar panels installed, as well as the rare opportunity to purchase your panels after 5 years of leasing. This combines the benefits of no-money-down solar options with the long-term upsides of owning your system, which I think is a great way to make solar accessible but still help homeowners hit those impressive savings solar can provide.

Palmetto is also one of the few solar installers in Virginia that includes a roof leak warranty for its systems. This coverage protects you from leaks and associated property damage, which come with a higher risk in Virginia due to the above-average rainfall and occasional extreme weather. I think the peace of mind you get from a roof leak warranty is worth the potential downsides of going with Palmetto.

Speaking of downsides, the company outsources installation labor, which I don’t think is ideal, and it doesn’t install batteries, so it might not be the best option if and when the net metering policy gets downgraded in Virginia.

What I Like About Palmetto Solar

Palmetto Solar might be lacking some of the add-on services I usually look for in an installer, but it does install EV chargers and offer professional monitoring. I think these are particularly good services to have access to in Virginia, given the ZEV mandate and the above-average electric bills that professional monitoring can help continue to offset.

Palmetto also has above-average customer review ratings, which suggests that it does a good job choosing and coordinating with third-party installers. It also suggests that you’ll have a positive experience and good post-installation support, which I think are crucial considerations when looking for a reputable installer.

What I Don’t Like About Palmetto Solar

One thing I’m particularly disappointed by is the lack of battery installations from Palmetto. As of late 2024, the net metering policy in Virginia is still 1-to-1, which means batteries are still a non-necessity for seeing solar savings. However, the policies are currently under review for the 2 largest utility companies in the state, and if those change, like they are in other states, batteries will be more of a necessity than the luxuries they are now. I’d really love to see Palmetto offering batteries, especially as a way to future-proof its operations.

While Palmetto has mostly positive customer review ratings, I’m still not a huge fan of it outsourcing installation labor. In my experience, this increases the risk of miscommunication and issues with warranty claims being taken care of since there are multiple companies involved in the solar conversion process.

Palmetto Solar Installation Process and Timeline

Palmetto doesn’t include an estimated or average timeline for its installation projects other than noting that they can take weeks or months. I’d expect a typical wait of between 6 and 8 weeks, which is the average in the industry. Most of that time is likely to be spent waiting for permit approval.

The process you’ll experience with Palmetto is also standard. You’ll start with an initial consultation and property inspection, after which Palmetto’s team will design a system that suits your property and meets your energy demands. Once you approve the design, Palmetto will file for permits and then assign a third-party company to install your equipment. It’s at this stage that your experience could differ from other companies, especially those that tend to provide better customer service by using in-house installers. Finally, Palmetto will schedule final inspections before turning on your system.

Palmetto Solar Standard Services & Financing 

17/25

Palmetto has one of the lowest scores in our ratings when it comes to what we consider standard services and financing options. It first loses some points in our ratings because it outsources installation labor. I prefer companies that have in-house installation teams handle everything because they’re more likely to provide high-quality and consistent customer service. When the technicians on your roof work directly for the company you hired and are the only ones to be held responsible for problems, I believe you get the best chance of good, professional service and a safe installation.

Palmetto also loses some points because it doesn’t install solar batteries, which I believe is a strange decision. Batteries are really only financially valuable in areas that don’t have 1-to-1 net metering because you can effectively store excess electricity with your utility company and use it later for free. In those cases, solar batteries are only good for maintaining power during blackouts. Virginia currently has 1-to-1 net metering, but the policy is under review and subject to change in 2025. Since NEM policies are getting downgraded across the country, I expect they’ll be downgraded in Virginia, too, in which case batteries will become more of a necessity.

Palmetto does score some points for providing access to a solar monitoring app with all of its installations. The app lets you monitor your system’s performance, which means you can potentially find problems with production early and get them fixed before they cut too much into your long-term savings. In the worst-case scenario, the app gives you some cool information about your consumption and production, but in the best-case scenario, it helps maximize your solar savings over time.

Cost and Financing Options

Palmetto also gets full points in our ratings for offering all of the major financing options, including cash purchases and solar loans, as well as leases and PPAs through its LightReach program. The lease structure that Palmetto offers is one of the best in the industry, but before you jump into a lease, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each option.

Cash purchases are the most beneficial to you over time. They let you take the ITC — an average potential value of over $11,000 in Virginia — they lead to panel ownership that won’t complicate the sale of your home and they save the most money over time — an average of over $24,600. The only downside to paying in cash is that you have to pay your entire system cost upfront. This is more of a downside in Virginia than in most other states because the cost to go solar in Virginia — around $36,850 before incentives and rebates — is significantly higher than the national average.

A solar loan is the second-most beneficial option in the long run. You can still take the ITC, and even after interest cuts into your savings, you should still see net savings  of around $19,600, which is outstanding. That interest is really the only major downside, although you’ll also need to pass a credit check, which could be problematic. Loans also come with the benefit of not having to put more than a few thousand dollars down — and no money down in some cases — which makes them much more accessible, especially in a high-cost area like Virginia.

Solar leases are like rental agreements for your panels, but you get to use the power they produce to save on your electric bills, ideally leading to net savings every month. PPAs are similar, but instead of paying a monthly rental fee, you buy the power the panels generate from your installer, usually at a below-retail rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Leases and PPAs prevent you from taking the ITC, so you miss out on an average potential value of over $11,000, and if you sell your home, the buyer has to agree to assume the agreement. Leases and PPAs come with the benefit of not requiring any money down, but the major drawback is that they only save you between $4,000 and $5,000 over the life of the contract, in most cases.

I typically don’t recommend leases or PPAs to customers because the long-term savings are significantly lower than if you paid in cash or with a loan. However, Palmetto’s lease and PPA options are a bit more appealing than those from other installers because there’s a buy-out option at year 5. That means you can get the short-term benefit of a lease or PPA — not having to put any money down for maximum accessibility — and the long-term benefits of a cash purchase or solar loan — panel ownership and higher savings.

Palmetto Solar Extra Services Offered

2/5

Unfortunately, Palmetto also falls short when it comes to the add-on services I look for in solar installers.

First, it doesn’t offer any roofing services, so if you need a roof repair or replacement before installing panels, you’ll have to vet and hire a separate company to handle the work. Not only is it more convenient when solar installers also tackle roof work, but if there’s a leak or some other issue, you won’t get two companies pointing fingers at each other and refusing to take responsibility. If I had to replace my roof before it was worth it to go solar, I’d seriously consider a company that could tackle both projects at once.

Palmetto also doesn’t offer any energy efficiency upgrades. I really love to see companies going above and beyond to help customers maximize their positive impact on the environment by offering things like smart electrical panels, new windows and doors, insulation installation, air sealing and more. Palmetto is more of a bare-bones installer, so if you’re looking for upgrades to combat the above-average electricity consumption in Virginia, you’ll have to hire a separate company to boost efficiency or choose a different installer that can couple panels with upgrades.

I am happy to see that Palmetto installs EV chargers, and personally, I’d prioritize this add-on over most others in Virginia. Not only does Virginia have more registered EVs than most other states already, but the ZEV mandate is going to mean more and more ZEVs on the road and 100% of newly registered vehicles as of 2035 benefitting from at-home charging. I expect EV chargers to be so valuable in the future in Virginia, that I recommend installing one now even if you don’t have a ZEV yet.

Finally, Palmetto scores some points in our ratings because it offers professional system monitoring. This is one step up from the mobile app monitoring it also gives you access to, as it takes the monitoring responsibility away from you and puts it on professionals who are more likely to identify issues anyway. Much like the monitoring app, this service can help maximize your savings over time and reduce the risk of system outages.

Palmetto Solar Environmental Impact & Sustainability Practices 

7.5/10

Going solar not only means you’ll effectively cut ties with your utility company and avoid the rate spikes that are expected to continue in the future, but it also means you’ll reduce your reliance on burning fossil fuels to generate power. As such, it’s one of the best things you can do for the environment. You can go the extra step to maximize how environmentally-friendly your conversion is by choosing an installer and manufacturer that are sustainable on their own, too.

Palmetto has a massively positive impact on the environment by helping homeowners like you go solar. However, it also goes the extra mile by making charitable donations to organizations like Solar Sisters, a not-for-profit dedicated to bringing solar to developing countries, as well as contributing to land conservation efforts.

I also review the panel brands that each installer works with to see how sustainable those companies are. Palmetto offers panels manufactured by QCells and REC, both of which tie with a few other brands for the most sustainable in the industry. Both companies make it a point to use recycled materials during the production process, they both have recycling programs to help keep old panels out of landfills and neither of them have a history of unethical business practices, like forced labor, unfair pay or dangerous working conditions in factories.

Palmetto Solar Equipment Quality & Reliability 

17.85/25

Palmetto scores about average when it comes to equipment quality and reliability, losing most of its points because of its below-average labor warranty. First, though, I assessed the actual equipment brands the company offers: REC and QCells. I compared these to other tier-one panel brands based on 18 criteria, and I think 3 of those are worth discussing in greater depth: panel efficiency, panel degradation and wind load rating.

All solar panels come with an efficiency rating, which tells you how effective they are at converting sunlight into usable electricity. Panel efficiency is one of the most important specs to consider, in my opinion, because it gives you an idea of how much of your electric bills your panels will be able to offset, but it’s especially important in areas like Virginia, where energy consumption is so high. High efficiency ratings are more likely to offset your utility bills, even though your home likely consumes more than 120% of what most U.S. homes use per month. The best solar panels top 22% efficiency. REC and QCells have maximum efficiency ratings of 22.6% and 22.5%, respectively, making them both great options for Virginia homeowners.

The degradation rate tells you how quickly that efficiency degrades. All panels lose efficiency over time, and most will provide a maximum amount the panels will lose over 25 years — usually somewhere between 8% and 15%, with lower numbers being better for long-term savings. This metric is another crucial one to consider in Virginia because panels that retain more efficiency are likely to continue providing above-average savings over time, especially when you consume more power than average. REC is an industry leader, guaranteeing no more than an 8% degradation over 25 years, and QCells isn’t far behind, guaranteeing no more than a 9.42% loss of power over that time.

The max wind load rating of a panel tells you how much force the panels can withstand from the rear side. In real-world conditions, this is useful for determining what wind speeds your panels can handle. Since Virginia sees its fair share of extreme weather, including hurricanes and tropical storms, it’s important to consider this spec to gauge long-term panel viability. The average wind load rating is 3,530 Pascals (Pa), and REC and QCells both fall above that mark with ratings of 4,000 and 3,600 Pa, respectively.

Warranties and Guarantees

Panel specs are useful for getting an idea of how they’ll perform in your climate and weather conditions, but even more important than technical specifications, in my opinion, are the warranties that ensure performance and longevity to protect your investment. I look at 4 types of solar warranties to assess how well protected a company keeps your equipment.

First, I look at the equipment warranty, which usually comes from your manufacturer and is passed to you through your installer. The equipment warranty insulates you from the negative effects of possible manufacturer defects. Most manufacturers cover defects for 25 years, and both the REC and QCells panels available from Palmetto match that standard.

Second, I look at the performance or efficiency warranty. This coverage also comes from your manufacturer, in most cases, and it’s the warranty that guarantees your panels won’t lose more than a specified percentage of their starting efficiency over the warranty period. As I mentioned above, most brands guarantee that between 85% and 92% of the initial efficiency will remain after 25 years. QCells guarantees 90.58%, and REC is an industry leader, guaranteeing 92%. Both should continue performing and offsetting the majority of your electric bills for decades to come.

Third, I look at labor warranties. This coverage comes from your installer and protects you from damages related to the installation process. The typical labor warranty is around 12 years, and this is one area where Palmetto falls short, potentially because of its use of third-party installers. Regardless of how you finance your system, Palmetto offers just a 10-year workmanship warranty. This is still good and should bring you close to the point where your panels pay for themselves (if you pay in cash or with a loan), but I’d love to see longer coverage for greater peace of mind.

Finally, I look for roof leak warranties, which guarantee that your system installation won’t cause roof leaks. Since this is a major concern for most prospective solar customers, and because Virginia solar customers have a higher risk of roof leaks due to above-average annual rainfall, this coverage is really crucial for maximum peace of mind in your area. I’m pleased to note that Palmetto is one of few installers in the state that include roof leak coverage, which lasts for 5 years regardless of how you finance your system.

Palmetto Solar Company Reputation 

21.5/25

Palmetto scores above-average in our ratings when it comes to its reputation in local solar industry, which is a good indication that it’s a solid company choice that is likely to provide you with a positive experience.

Palmetto was founded in 2010, which means it has nearly 15 years of experience behind it. I prefer companies with a decade or more of experience because, at that point, they’ve proven that they have the ability to succeed and persist in such a competitive market. Younger companies with less history are more likely to go out of business, and when that happens, they can void your warranty coverage and leave you with minimal protection on a very large investment.

Palmetto is also 1 of few solar installers in Virginia that is an SEIA member. Membership requires paying dues, which suggests that Palmetto has a financial commitment to the local industry. In my opinion, this is another good sign that Palmetto will be around for a while and will be able to honor your warranty coverage for years to come.

Palmetto outsources installation labor to third-party companies, but it does ensure that it only uses NABCEP-certified installers. NABCEP certification requires specialized training with PV systems, so this is a great way to ensure that even third-party installers are doing a good job installing an issue-free system. I don’t love that Palmetto outsources in the first place, but choosing NABCEP-certified third-party installers is a great way to mitigate some of the issues that outsourcing can cause.

Finally, Palmetto maintains above-average customer ratings across multiple sites, which is impressive enough in the solar industry but is especially impressive for such a large company. Palmetto has an A+ business rating and a 3.24-star customer review rating on the BBB, a 4-star rating on Google Reviews and a 3.7-star rating on TrustPilot. I should note that the TrustPilot rating is scaled down from 5 stars due to the low number of actual reviews. These are all above-average for the solar industry, and they suggest that you’re likely to have a positive experience when using Palmetto for your own solar installation.

Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

As I mentioned earlier, I always read through a few dozen customer reviews to see what the company does well and where it falls short of customer expectations. I think this is a more accurate way to gauge what kind of experience you’ll have if you choose a specific provider, as aggregate customer review ratings only give you so much information.

Positive reviews for Palmetto mention things like good communication, professionalism throughout the design and installation process and that the company legitimately stood behind its products and services by honoring warranty coverages. Unfortunately, customer service and experience appears to be spotty, as negative reviews mention some red flags, including the company using deceptive marketing practices to make solar seem like a better option than it is, as well as a lack of communication in some cases following the actual installation, including responding to warranty claims.

I’ll include 1 positive and 1 negative review below to give you a snapshot of the best and worst you could get from Palmetto.

“From start to finish my Palmetto team was always there to help and guide me through the sometimes complicated steps of switching to solar power. Especially those steps dealing with the final completion of the process and the permits and inspections that the electric company had to perform and complete before flipping that switch. [The] installation went smoothly and any questions I had about placement of the panels and approval of the panel placement were [answered]. I am forever grateful for their intervention when needed and know they’ll be there in the future if I need their help.” — MJ H. via BBB

“Installed a solar system roughly 3 years ago. The [company]  lied about how a solar system would reduce energy costs. We pay about $290.00 monthly for ZERO reduction in energy. Our bill is as high as it ever was and getting more expensive every year. We are stuck paying for a system that serves no purpose whatsoever. The system will NEVER pay for itself and will be worn out by the time it’s paid off, at which time it will need to be removed at great expense to us. It is nearly impossible to contact the company.” — Jason N. via BBB

Palmetto Solar Customer Service 

8/10

Finally, I review each solar installer based on the overall customer service experience I expect you’ll get, which I based on the reviews that I read through, as well as a call I make to the provider acting as a secret shopper.

Palmetto’s reviews suggest that the customer service experience can vary, which I attribute both to its use of third-party installers as well as to the size of the company, both of which can lead to varied experiences among customers. I deducted some points from the provider because the issues with misleading marketing and slow responses to warranty claims don’t appear to be one-off problems. However, it does look like most customers have a positive experience, so I think chances are high that you will, too.

My call with Palmetto went smoothly, and I didn’t notice any red flags when I spoke with a rep as a secret shopper. The contact was friendly and quick to answer questions, and they also seemed knowledgeable about the installation process, the equipment and services Palmetto provided and even the local incentives available in Virginia.

Why We Chose SunRun

SunRun made it onto our list primarily because of the outstanding protection package it offers for its systems, specifically for customers who enter into a lease. I’m not a huge fan of companies prioritizing the less beneficial financing options like this, but if you know you want a lease, or those are the only options that you can make work with your budget, then I think SunRun is one of the best companies out there given the robust protection it offers.

SunRun also offers a nice range of products and services, including a few add-on services that many other companies in Virginia don’t provide. Those include energy efficiency upgrades, unique solar battery options, professional system monitoring and more. The company has also been on the up and up recently in terms of customer review ratings, so it seems like SunRun is focusing more and more on creating a positive experience for its customers.

While I think SunRun is a good option if you know you want a lease or PPA, there are some downsides to consider, too. First, although customer review ratings are improving, it does still have a history of deceptive marketing practices and high-pressure sales tactics, which I’m not a fan of. It also outsources all of the installation labor, which means a higher risk of spotty customer service, delays and issues with the installation.

What I Like About SunRun

SunRun’s leases come with an outstanding protection plan to help provide peace of mind long after your system is installed. That includes a longer workmanship warranty — 25 years as opposed to the 10-year coverage you’d get if you bought in cash or with a loan — as well as free maintenance, repairs and replacements for the life of your contract. SunRun covers everything, from professional monitoring to repairs if you lease, and if you know you want to move forward with this financing option, SunRun is a great choice, in my opinion.

SunRun outsources installation labor to third-party companies, but it does ensure that all of its installers are NABCEP-certified, which is a great sign. Certification requires specialized training with PV equipment, so although the risk of poor communication and below-average customer service is higher, it does seem like the risk of actual issues like system and property damage stemming from the installation are low.

What I Don’t Like About SunRun

While I think the protection plan for its leased systems is great if you know you want a solar lease, I’m not a huge fan of the company prioritizing leases like this. Leases come with the benefit of no upfront cost, but they provide much lower long-term savings than if you used cash or a loan to buy your panels, and they prevent you from taking advantage of the ITC, which holds an average potential value of around $11,000 in Virginia. Offering leases is a plus in my book, but pushing them on customers is a downside.

Speaking of customer relations, SunRun has been involved in class-action lawsuits related to deceptive marketing practices, and a lot of the complaints about SunRun pertain to poor customer service, using misinformation to get customers to sign up for solar leases and delayed responses to warranty claims, which decreases the real-world value of its protection plan.

SunRun Installation Process and Timeline

SunRun doesn’t appear to have an estimated timeline for how long it takes from the initial consultation to the installation aside from noting that the permitting process can take a few weeks. I expect that you’d have to wait between 6 and 8 weeks total, which is the standard in the industry.

The installation process follows a similar arc to most other installers. You’ll begin with an initial consultation, during which your rep will assess your home, take measurements of your roof and check your monthly electricity consumption. SunRun will then design a system for you and have you approve the design. After that, the company will pull permits and then have a third-party company install your equipment. Finally, a rep will schedule any final inspections with your utility company or building department and then activate your system to begin producing power for your home.

SunRun Standard Services & Financing

22/25

SunRun scores above-average in our ratings when it comes to the standard services and financing options we look for from solar installers.

The only reason the company loses points in this section of our reviews is because it doesn’t use in-house installers to carry out the installation labor. Companies that outsource the installation to third parties aren’t necessarily bad or worse, but getting a third-party involved increases the risk of miscommunication, delays in the installation and pointed fingers in the case of something going wrong. I personally made sure to go with a company that used in-house installers when I went solar, so I prefer to recommend providers that do the same.

SunRun offers solar batteries alongside its panels, which is great to see. As I mentioned earlier, Virginia currently has 1-to-1 net metering, which means batteries are more of a luxury item to maintain power during blackouts and won’t affect your long-term savings at all. However, the policy is under review and will likely change in 2025, as it has in many other states, and batteries will be more useful and even necessary to see long-term savings if that happens.

SunRun also has unique battery options that make having backup power beneficial now and in the future if the NEM policy changes. Specifically, it partnered with Ford to create a 2-way battery and charging option using the Ford F-150 LightningⓇ. You can have the benefits of a backup battery and also an EV and EV charger. I personally love to see value adds like this and hope that more companies offer things like this in the future.

When you choose SunRun, you also get access to the MySunRun app, which lets you make payments on your system or lease, as well as monitor your system’s performance. If you’re diligent about keeping track of your electricity generation, you might be able to identify issues and outages before they become severe and significantly affect your long-term savings, so I’m happy to see SunRun offering this kind of perk. Most companies give you access to system performance via an app from your panel, inverter or battery manufacturer, but the added value of being able to make payments through SunRun’s proprietary app is a nice touch.

Cost and Financing Options

SunRun gets full marks in our ratings when it comes to the financing options it accepts, as it entertains the typical cash option and solar loan, as well as a no-money-down option: a solar lease. The way you pay for your system will affect how much you pay upfront and over time, as well as how much your system will save you, so it’s important to understand the differences.

If you choose a cash purchase, it probably comes as no surprise that you’ll need to pay the entire system cost upfront. This is the least accessible option due to the upfront cost, and it’s even less accessible in a state like Virginia, where the cost to go solar is well above the national average. You’ll need to have an average of around $36,850 saved to go this route. However, you’ll avoid paying interest on a loan, you can take advantage of the ITC — an average potential value of over $11,000 in VA — and you’ll see the highest savings over time — an average net savings of over $24,600 in your area.

Solar loans are more popular because you need far less saved up initially — usually just a few thousand dollars for a down payment but as low as $0 in some cases. As such, loans are far more accessible than cash payments. Loans still provide you with access to the ITC. The one downside is that you’ll pay interest on your loan, which means a higher price for your system over time. That interest will also cut into your net savings, bringing them down to an average of about $19,600.

Leases are rental agreements for your solar equipment. You pay nothing upfront but the pay a monthly fee to rent your equipment, and you get to use the power your panels generate for free to enjoy savings on your  monthly electric bills. PPAs are similar to leases in terms of upsides and drawbacks, but the payment structure is different. You pay nothing upfront and no monthly fee for the panels, but you agree to buy power from your solar company, usually at a rate that’s slightly below the retail rate from your utility company. Note that SunRun only accepts leases and doesn’t offer PPAs.

I normally don’t recommend leases or PPAs to customers unless they’re the only accessible options. If that’s the case for you, then I think the lease option from SunRun, with its added protection plan and free maintenance, is a good one.

SunRun Extra Services Offered 

3/5

SunRun also has a nice array of add-on products and services to choose from to customize your system a bit and get the most value out of your equipment.

It loses some points in our ratings because it doesn’t handle roof repair or replacement. If you roof is damaged or is nearing the end of its useful life, your installer will recommend that you replace it before going solar to avoid having to remove the panels down the road to carry out the roof work. Solar companies that tackle roof work in addition to solar panel installation make your life a little easier because they can do everything you need in-house. Not only would you not need to search for a roofer, but there’s no risk of multiple companies blaming each other and refusing to take responsibility if something were to go wrong.

SunRun does provide access to some energy efficiency upgrades, which are likely to save more money in high-consumption areas like Virginia than they are in most other states. Specifically, SunRun installs smart electrical panels from SPANⓇ to give you more control over your energy consumption. Combined with solar panels, a smart electrical panel can help reduce energy usage, which means greater savings on your electric bills.

I’m also happy to see SunRun installing EV chargers. EVs are more popular in Virginia than they are in most other states, so more solar customers in the Old Dominion will benefit from having at-home charging. The demand for EV chargers is only going to increase, too, as Virginia has a ZEV mandate that will be fully in effect by 2035. I love to see installers staying ahead of the curve and installing these add-on services now.

Finally, SunRun includes professional monitoring for all of the systems it installs. Professional monitoring takes the responsibility of identifying production issues with your system off of you, which means your life is a little easier, and you get greater peace of mind that your system will continue to perform and save you money as intended for decades to come.

SunRun Environmental Impact & Sustainability Practices 

7.5/10

Most of the electricity that’s produced in power plants and delivered to homes comes from burning fossil fuels, which means relying on traditional electricity puts a lot of strain on the environment. One of the best things you can do to improve your eco-friendliness and reduce your carbon footprint is convert to solar and ditch the fossil fuels almost entirely. I recommend going one step further by going solar with an installer that prioritizes sustainability, too, as well as choosing equipment brands from manufacturers that do their part to remain environmentally friendly.

SunRun’s contribution to environmental friendliness comes largely from the sheer number of installations it has completed. By its own estimation, its installations have helped offset 18 million metric tons of CO2, which is the equivalent of taking over 4.2 million gas-powered cars off the road for an entire year. SunRun also publishes an annual sustainability report to detail its sustainability efforts.

SunRun installs panels from REC, QCells, Canadian Solar and SolarEdge, and I’ve compared all of these panel manufacturers based on their sustainability efforts. REC, QCells and Canadian Solar all tie for first in our panel sustainability rankings. They all use recycled materials to make new panels, they have recycling programs to help reduce the impact of their manufacturing processes and none of them have a history of socially unsustainable business practices. SolarEdge scores a bit lower because it doesn’t use recycled materials to produce new equipment.

SunRun Equipment Quality & Reliability 

16.65/25

SunRun scores below-average in our ratings in terms of equipment quality and reliability, but I should note that this is, in part, due to the differences in its coverage and protection plans between leased and purchased systems.

I compare panel brands based on 18 criteria, and 3 of those are the most indicative of how a company’s panels will fare in Virginia’s weather and climate: panel efficiency, panel degradation rate and wind load ratings.

A panel’s efficiency rating tells you the percentage of the available sunlight a panel will be able to absorb and convert into electricity for your home. Higher efficiency ratings are superior and are especially beneficial in areas where consumption is well above average, like Virginia, because they have a higher chance of offsetting your above-average rate of electricity usage. The top-performing solar panels have efficiency ratings of 22% or higher. All of the brands available from SunRun hit that mark, with Canadian Solar being the best of the options with a rating of 23.3%.

Efficiency rating is important, but it really only tells you how efficient your panels are the day they’re installed. All panels degrade over time, and the degradation rate tells you how quickly that happens. Slower degradation rates mean your panels will continue performing near their peak ability for longer, which means greater savings over the life of your equipment. Most tier-one panel brands guarantee that their panels will retain between 85% and 92% of their efficiency over 25 years, with higher numbers being better for long-term savings. All of the brands SunRun offers fall within this range, and REC is the leader, guaranteeing the full 92%.

I think it’s also crucial to look at the max wind load ratings for panels, as this tells you the force they can withstand on the underside from wind uplift. This is an important metric in Virginia, as hurricanes, tropical storms and thunderstorms can all bring winds that threaten to damage rooftop panels with lower ratings. The average wind load rating among tier-one panels is around 3,520 Pascals (Pa). Canadian Solar and SolarEdge panels from SunRun, unfortunately, fall below that and are more likely to sustain damage in extreme winds that frequent Virginia. REC and QCells are both above that rating, with 4,000 and 3,600 Pa, respectively.

Warranties and Guarantees

I also think it’s crucial to consider the warranty coverage you get with your system, as the warranty package is typically what gives you peace of mind and some assurance that your equipment will continue serving you and saving you money for decades. I look at 4 types of warranty coverage to gauge the level of protection you’ll get from each installer.

First, I consider the equipment warranty. This technically comes from your manufacturer, but it varies by company because each installer partners with different equipment brands. Most equipment warranties protect you from manufacturer defects for 25 years. All of the brands SunRun works with provide 25 years of coverage to meet the industry average.

Second, I look at the performance warranty, which is the coverage that guarantees your panels’ degradation rate. Again, slower degradation is better for long-term savings and is especially beneficial for continuing to offset your above-average energy consumption in Virginia over the long haul. Most tier-one manufacturers guarantee that your panels will still have between 85% and 92% of their initial efficiency after 25 years, and all of the brands SunRun offers fall within that ideal range. Canadian Solar also extends the warranty to 30 years, giving it above-average protection against degradation.

Third, I look at workmanship warranties, which protect you from damages caused by mistakes made during the installation process. This coverage comes directly from your installer rather than the manufacturer, and it’s good to have for peace of mind in areas like Virginia, where extreme weather can more quickly expose issues caused by faulty installation. The average labor warranty lasts for 12 years. SunRun includes a below-average 10-year workmanship warranty if you buy your system in cash or with a loan. However, if you lease, you get more than double the average at 25 years of coverage. I deducted points here, though, because you’re not guaranteed to get that above-average protection.

Finally, I look to see if the company offers a roof leak warranty, which insulates you from repair costs related to roof leaks and resulting water damage after going solar. This coverage is especially beneficial in places like Virginia that experience above-average rainfall each year. Most installers don’t offer a roof leak warranty, so I’m thrilled to see SunRun including 10 years of protection against roof leaks regardless of how you pay for your panels.

SunRun Company Reputation

19.5/25

SunRun has a decent company reputation in the solar industry, although there have been some issues with customer review ratings that lead to an imperfect score in this portion of our company ratings.

SunRun was founded in 2007 and has over 15 years of experience, which I personally love to see. The solar industry is an unusually competitive one, and there are lots of changes to regulations and incentives that installers need to deal with constantly. Unfortunately, I see a lot of companies pop up only to go out of business a few years later when they realize they can’t keep up with the competition and speed of the changes. I’d personally be more comfortable going with a company that has at least a decade of experience — and 15+ like SunRun has is even better — because they’re more likely to stay in business and honor your warranty coverage for the 25+ years your system is likely to last.

SunRun is also an SEIA member, which means it pays annual dues and has a financial investment in the solar industry. I think this is another good sign that a company is both successful and likely to stick around for years to come.

SunRun outsources the installation labor to third-party companies, which I’m not a huge fan of, but it does only outsource to installers that hold NABCEP certification. This means the installers assigned to your project will have more training than the State of Virginia requires, which helps avoid problems stemming from faulty installation.

Finally, I looked at customer review ratings for SunRun across a few platforms to get a sense of how SunRun performs and treats customers in real-world situations. It has an A+ business rating and a 3.59-star customer rating with the BBB, which is above-average and a good indication that you’re likely to get at least decent customer service. It has a 4.2-star rating on Google Reviews, which is well above average, but it has a far less impressive 1.4-star rating on TrustPilot, which is quite low, even compared to similarly sized competitors.

Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

Lots of solar installers get hit on customer review scores for things like using door-to-door sales tactics, which some people find annoying, and some complain about installations taking months, which is pretty standard for solar installations and shouldn’t always reflect negatively on the installer, in my opinion. That’s why I always read through customer reviews to see what, specifically, customers like and dislike about the provider. Over the years, I’ve read hundreds of SunRun reviews, and recently, I read through a few dozen to get a sense of where it falls short of expectations.

Positive reviews mention things like a smooth installation process, good communication, honest salespeople and savings in line with expectations. Negative reviews mention misleading marketing practices, aggressive sales tactics and, most concerning in my opinion, a history of slow response times — and no responses, in some cases — to warranty claims. I’ll include 2 reviews below that should give you an idea of the best and worst you can expect from SunRun.

“I recently had solar put on my home through SunRun and couldn’t be happier. The sales rep did a great job of explaining how it all works [and] why it’s so important. We have batteries on our home so we never have blackouts again, no maintaining for us to worry about, free installation etc. The install crew was in and out in one day. The SunRun tech came an hour before the [installation] tech [to make] sure everything was switched over [correctly], just to make sure everything was ready the way it should be. And our bill is 1/3 of what it was! Plus we get to send power back to [our utility company] for credits.” — Emily V. via BBB

“Sunrun’s communication has been poor from the start. The delays in providing necessary information have made it difficult for me to make an informed decision about the purchase. It’s been weeks without answers. Their lack of transparency and failure to provide clear, accurate information raises concerns about whether they are adhering to consumer protection laws, which require businesses to be transparent and fair in their dealings. I’m extremely disappointed with Sunrun’s handling of this process and would caution anyone considering their services. Their lack of transparency, failure to follow through on their contractual obligations, and poor communication make it difficult to trust them. If you’re looking for a reliable and transparent solar provider, I suggest looking elsewhere.” — Alan K. via Trust Pilot

SunRun Customer Service 

4/10

While I can see based on customer reviews that SunRun is making an effort to improve its customer service and satisfaction, there are still some issues evident in the reviews I read that led me to deduct quite a few points when it comes to overall customer service in our ratings. Most concerning, in my opinion, is that the company still seems to struggle with honest and transparent marketing, and it does still push customers toward leases. I’d really love to see SunRun being honest about the greater benefits customers would see from using cash or a loan to go solar. There are also repeated issues with responses to warranty claims, as well as some spottiness in customer service in general, which I believe stems from the company’s use of third-party installers.

I called SunRun as a secret shopper and had a pleasant experience. The rep did prioritize talking about SunRun’s loan options and the associated benefits, but they were also honest — when asked — about the greater benefits related to cash purchases and loans. The rep was friendly and knowledgeable, and the only thing I wasn’t thrilled with was the focus on a less beneficial financing option.