11 Best Solar Companies in Forest, VA (Jan 2023 Review)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 11 in Forest based on:
-
Customer review scores - Solar installers near you
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Updated January 20, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best solar companies in Forest
When deciding on the best solar installers, Forest homeowners have more options than ever before, which can be too much to take in, but we're here to make switching to solar power less confusing. After 20 years of offsetting your energy costs with a solar system, you can save about $18,000 on your utility bills.
If you're thinking about going solar, the first step you should take is to find the best solar companies in Forest and compare quotes. The good news is we did the hard work and came up with a list of the best solar companies to make it easier on you. If you're ready to start receiving free, no-obligation quotes from the best Forest solar installers, you can click the button below to learn more.
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 (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Forest
Local Service
Balex Electrical Company, LLC
-
Educational sales approach - Assists with maximizing rebate
- Has an online quote form
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
-
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
-
Maintenance and Repairs - Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Green State Power, LLC
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Educational sales approach
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Carolina Connections
- Offers a free quote process
- Educational sales approach
- Licensing and credentials transparency
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Batteries
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Genesis Home and Energy
- Can browse portfolio on website
- NABCEP-certified technicians
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Baseline Solar Solutions
- Can browse portfolio on website
- NABCEP-certified technicians
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Huffman Electrical Systems Inc
- Offers a free quote process
- Educational sales approach
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
Paradise Energy Solutions Llc
- Offers a free quote process
- Educational sales approach
- Speedy and efficient installations
- Family owned and operated
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Batteries
- Solar Panels
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
Main Street Solar Energy
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Offers a free quote process
- Educational sales approach
- Locally owned and operated
- NABCEP-certified technicians
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Batteries
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Nova Solar, Inc
- Offers a free quote process
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- NABCEP-certified technicians
- Excellent reputation
- Some reports of long wait times for installation
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Roof Shingles
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Nova Solar, Inc
- NABCEP-certified technicians
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Roof Shingles
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Carolina Solar Energy III, LLC
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Educational sales approach
- Family owned and operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Excellent reputation
- Some reports of long wait times for installation
- Some reports of high-pressure sales tactics
- Some reported communication issues
- Some reported issues with customer services
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
Solar Company Ranking Methodology
Click here to see a more detailed overview of our solar company ranking methodology.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Forest
Solar panels are powered by a free energy source — the sun — but before you can take advantage of this you will first need to pay to install your panels. The cost of solar and the savings it generates vary depending on a few important factors such as:
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which can save you some money, allows you to deduct 30% of the cost of your solar system installation from your federal taxes. Plus, not including incentives, you can save about $18,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
- System size and type: Some models are more costly than others, so the one you decide on can raise or lower your initial investment. Plus, the more solar panels you need to buy, the more it'll cost.
- How much energy you use: If your home regularly uses a lot of energy, you'll benefit more from switching to solar.
- Average daily sunlight: Since Forest gets a decent amount of average daily sunlight, your solar panels can generally produce enough energy to power your whole home, which influences how much you can save on your energy bills.
There are several great benefits of solar even with the upfront cost of installation. It can help the planet and your wallet. Plus, it can increase the value of your home, leading to even more benefits if you choose to sell your home later.
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To find out how much you can help the environment and your wallet by switching to solar, try out the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Forest, VA.
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Solar Incentives in Forest
Although installing solar panels is typically a large investment, it can save you a lot of money over the lifespan of your solar panels due to lower energy bills and government incentives. When you install solar panels on your house, you become eligible to claim the federal tax credit, or ITC. This credit currently lets you lower your tax bill by 30% of the cost of your solar panels. In addition, there are often some state and city incentives that you can take advantage of to further cut back on the cost of solar of solar panels. Take a look at our article on solar incentives to learn what incentives you can take advantage of.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Forest
An important reason so many people are thinking of switching to solar power is to help reduce their environmental impact. But how much can switching to solar actually affect the environment? If your family uses a lot of energy, you can help the environment even more by switching to solar power. After you go solar, your carbon emissions can be reduced by about 100 pounds each year. For people who are concerned about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for offsetting your carbon emissions.
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 (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Forest, VA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar company is the best in Forest?
The top local solar company in Forest is Balex Electrical Company, LLC, with a rating of 5.00 stars.
What are the major advantages and disadvantages of switching to solar?
The advantages of solar power are that it can reduce or, in some cases, completely eradicate your electricity bills, improve the value of your home and reduce your carbon footprint. The disadvantages are that solar panels can be expensive to install, you may not save a lot if you don't use a lot of electricity and it doesn't work for all roof types and locations.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after installing solar panels?
Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 10.0 years, but your solar payback period will vary depending on your utility costs. The more your typical energy bill, the faster 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, like 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.