6 Best Solar Companies in Chesapeake, VA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 6 in Chesapeake based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Chesapeake, VA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Chesapeake homeowner saves $1,587/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Chesapeake
If you’re on the hunt for the best solar companies in Chesapeake, going through so many options can be challenging, but it can pay off since adopting solar power can offer so many great perks. Installation costs can be high, but adopting solar will save you money on your energy bills over time. In fact, you can look forward to saving about $19,000 over 20 years.
If you want to start taking advantage of the many benefits of solar, we can help you narrow down your options to find the Chesapeake solar installer that’s the right price for you.To start getting free quotes from the best solar companies in Chesapeake, you can click "get quote" below.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Chesapeake
Solar Services, Inc.
Free Quotes- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Permit Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
Freedom Solar Power - Virginia Solar Panel Installers
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
- Skilled Repairs
- Tesla Powerwall
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Financing Assistance
Unlimited Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
Gault Electric LLC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Neptune City Solar Panels
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- System Decommissioning
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Skilled Repairs
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
Big Boss Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Chesapeake
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Chesapeake based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Chesapeake
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Virginia solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Chesapeake
For a lot of homeowners, whether or not you should invest in a solar energy system comes down to the cost.The overall price and potential savings vary depending on a few important factors such as:
- Your income and budget: This determines what type of solar panels you can afford.
- How much energy your home consumes: Households that need a lot of power each month may call for more solar panels and, consequently, be more costly, but will also benefit more over time.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently allows you to decrease your taxes by 0 of the project cost. Your state and even local utility companies may also have incentives and rebates that you can take advantage of. In addition, you can save about $19,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, without incentives.
- Your home's orientation toward the sun: This, plus how your roof is set up, affects affect how much power your solar panels can generate.
There are many wonderful benefits of solar even with the initial cost of installation. It can help the planet and your bank account. Plus, it can raise the value of your home, leading to even more benefits if you choose to sell your home later.
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Solar Incentives in Chesapeake
Because solar power is more sustainable than burning fossil fuels, there are various government incentives available to encourage its adoption.No matter what state you live in, you can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you claim 0 of how much you paid for your solar installation on your tax return, lowering the amount of taxes you owe that year. Plus, there may be some state and city incentives you can benefit from too. Our article on solar incentives goes over more information on the incentives you can benefit from in Chesapeake.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Chesapeake
Going solar can have a beneficial effect on the environment.But how much can installing solar panels actually affect the environment? In a city like Chesapeake where energy use is particularly high, installing solar panels is a good plan for those who care about the planet.While solar panel production releases carbon dioxide emissions, the panels make up for it by considerably lowering the amount of CO2 you would have produced if you still used nonrenewable energy. In Chesapeake, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 60 pounds a year with solar panels. If you care about the environment, you’ll likely get that there are many advantages to adopting solar power other than just saving money on bills. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is more valuable.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Chesapeake, VA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the top solar panel installer in Chesapeake?
In Chesapeake, Solar Services, Inc. is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.70 stars, so it's a good choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your home.
What is the negative environmental impact of making solar panels?
Solar panels can be harmful for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle safely once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Making solar panels requires a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
Solar panels usually pay for themselves in about 12.7 years, but your solar payback period will vary depending on your utility costs. The more your typical energy bill, the quicker your solar panel system will pay for itself.
What are the different kinds of solar panels?
The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also cost more. Polycrystalline panels cost less but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other types can’t, such as on curved surfaces or cars, but they are also less efficient. The best one for you depends on your budget, roof configuration and how much efficiency you're looking for.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.