7 Best Solar Companies in Franklin, VA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 7 in Franklin based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Franklin, VA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Franklin homeowner saves $795/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Franklin
If you’re trying to find the best solar companies in Franklin, sorting through so many options can be overwhelming, but it can pay off since adopting solar energy can offer so many fantastic benefits. Solar panels aren't just good for the Earth — your budget will thank you too. After switching to solar power, you can save an average of $9,900 over 20 years, and this doesn't even include incentives.
The cost of installing solar panels can change substantially depending on your home’s setup and your household energy requirements.To receive free quotes from the best solar companies in Franklin, 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 Franklin
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
Solar Services, Inc.
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Unlimited Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
Freedom Solar Power - Virginia Solar Panel Installers
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Skilled Repairs
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Tesla Powerwall
- Financing Assistance
Big Boss Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
SolarTyme
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Neptune City Solar Panels
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- System Decommissioning
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Franklin
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Franklin 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 Franklin
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 Franklin
For many people, the decision of which solar company to go with depends on costs.There are several factors you should consider when trying to figure out how much it will cost and how much you can save, including:
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone qualifies for, allows you to deduct 0 of the cost of your solar system installation from your federal taxes. Additionally, not including incentives, you can save about $9,900 over 20 years on your energy bills.
- Typical energy usage: The more energy your home consumes on average and the higher your current energy bills are, the more money you could save by making the switch to solar.
- How much sunlight your roof gets: If your roof gets limited direct sunlight, your solar panel system won’t be able to produce as much energy, which will give you lower savings on electric bills than a house with a roof that gets lots of sunlight.
- The type of solar panels you’re planning on getting: Higher-efficiency panels cost more, so that will influence your budget for your solar project.
Although a solar panel system costs a decent chunk of money upfront, it can save you thousands of dollars in the long term. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, including the kind of solar panels you get and your energy consumption.
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Solar Incentives in Franklin
There are several reasons why adopting solar power is beneficial. One of them involves some government incentives you can take advantage of.When you install a solar panel system on your home, you can take advatage of the federal tax credit, or ITC. This credit currently reduces your tax bill by 0 of the cost of your solar panels. Plus, there may often be some regional incentives that you can benefit from to further cut back on the cost of solar of solar panels. For comprehensive information about incentives that apply to you, check out our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Franklin
Going solar can have a positive effect on the environment.You may be trying to figure out – how much do solar panels help the environment anyway? Going solar is an impactful choice for the environment, due to the fact that the greatest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the nation is from burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation – all of which can be powered by solar instead.In fact, if you make the switch to solar power, you could look forward to lowering your carbon dioxide emissions by about 20 pounds each year. For people who want to help the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for reducing your carbon footprint.
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 Franklin, VA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar panel company in Franklin?
In Franklin, Gault Electric LLC is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.90 stars, so it's a great choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your house.
What are the best and worst things about solar power?
A few of the biggest pros are that it reduces your power bills, it’s a sustainable source of energy, and it provides a decent return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don’t work as well when there’s limited direct sunlight, the startup costs are high and solar panels aren’t always aesthetically pleasing.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after buying solar panels?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 25.3 years, but the exact period varies by the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.
What are the different kinds of solar panels?
There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. As for 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 layout, how much you're willing to spend and desired energy output.
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.