11 Best Solar Companies in Forest, VA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 11 in Forest based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Forest, VA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Forest homeowner saves $1,536/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Forest
If you’re a home or business owner looking to capitalize on the solar incentives in Forest, it can be challenging to narrow down which company to decide on. But, the process is worth it since adopting solar power is typically a fantastic choice. While solar power is a large investment, you’ll be able to make that expense back and then some, all while doing your part for the environment. In fact, you could be looking at saving about $18,000 over 20 years.
The cost of installing solar panels can vary greatly based on your home’s layout and your overall energy needs.To get free quotes from the leading solar companies in Forest, click the "get quote" button 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 Forest
Earth Right Efficiency
Clear Pricing Policy- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation- System Decommissioning
- Skilled Repairs
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
Earth Right Mid-Atlantic
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- System Decommissioning
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
Cenvar Solar - Lynchburg
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Permit Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Affordable Energy Concepts Inc
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Community Solar Projects
- Battery Storage
JD Solar Power
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
Tiger Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
Main Street Solar Energy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Magic City Solar Co
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
- System Decommissioning
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Cenvar Solar - Roanoke
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
Huffman Electrical Systems Inc
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Panel Installation
Genesis Home and Energy
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Grid-Tied Solar System
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Forest
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Forest 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 Forest
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 Forest
For many people considering switching to solar, the decision of which solar company to go with comes down to pricing.The installation cost is just one important factor you should keep in mind when looking into installing solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things such as:
- The kind of solar panels you’re planning on getting: More efficient panels are more costly, so that will affect your budget for your solar project.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone qualifies for, allows you to deduct 0 of the cost of installing your solar panel system from your taxes. In addition, not including incentives, you can save about $18,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
- Where your home is: This affects the average daily sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
- average energy usage: The more power your household uses on average and the higher your current energy bills are, the more likely you'll benefit from going solar.
Solar is a rewarding investment for most homeowners. You can produce your own energy instead of paying for it from the grid and benefit from solar tax credits and rebates, all while helping preserve the environment.
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Solar Incentives in Forest
There are lots of reasons why you should switch to solar. One of them involves some government incentives you can take advantage of.There are several federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that may earn you anywhere from 0 to 50% of your money back after paying for solar panels. You can learn about the incentives you can take advantage of in our article on solar incentives
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Forest
If you want to add solar panels to your home, one of the main reasons why may be to reduce your carbon footprint.Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Forest, though. Something that can drastically affect your carbon footprint is how long your commute is and how much you drive in general. If you switch to solar power and drive an electric car, you can vastly cut back on your carbon dioxide emissions by charging your car at home.Since solar panels don’t release CO2 emissions into the atmosphere when producing electricity, they’re a good alternative to nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could expect to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 100 pounds each year. Since solar energy is plentiful and produces electricity without a carbon footprint, installing solar panels is one easy step you can take to help protect the planet.
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 Forest, VA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar company is the best near me?
In Forest, Earth Right Efficiency is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.90 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your house.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar power?
A few of the biggest pros are that it lets you spend less on your power bills, it’s a sustainable source of energy, and it can give you a significant return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don’t work as well when there’s limited direct sunlight, there is a high upfront cost and solar panels aren’t always aesthetically pleasing.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
Solar panels usually pay for themselves in about 13.1 years, but your solar payback period will vary depending on your utility costs. The higher your typical energy bill, the quicker your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.
What are the different kinds of solar panels?
There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. In terms of efficiency and price, monocrystalline has the highest for both, then polycrystalline, and then thin-film. The best choice for you is highly influenced by your roof configuration, your budget 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.