12 Best Solar Companies in Lakeside, VA (2024 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 12 in Lakeside based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for Lakeside, VA
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average Lakeside homeowner saves $787/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Best Solar Companies in Lakeside

Looking to go solar but want to know which solar panel installer would be the best one for you? Although it can be difficult to settle on a solar company, the effort will pay off because going solar has many great benefits. With high amounts of average daily sunlight in Lakeside, the solar industry is doing fairly well. An underrated reason for this growth has been Virginia's statewide programs that encourage residential and commercial solar panel installation.


If you want to start making use of the many benefits of solar, we can help you narrow down your options to find the Lakeside solar installer that’s perfect for you.To help you know if solar panels are something you should get for your home, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the best solar companies in Lakeside by clicking the button below.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • 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

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • 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 Lakeside

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Virtue Solar

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Grid-Tied Solar System
  • Service icon Tesla Powerwall
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: https://www.virtuesolar.com/
Address: 1740 Broadway St Suite 6, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Phone: 5404078353
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Radiant Home | Solar, Roofing, Battery Backup

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Grid-Tied Solar System
  • Service icon Off-Grid Solar Systems
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs

Website: http://www.goradianthome.com/
Address: 9962 Brook Rd Suite 660, Glen Allen, VA 23059
Phone: 8045188880
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Southern Exposure Solar

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: https://www.southernexposuresolar.com/
Address: 11030 Richardson Rd B21, Ashland, VA 23005
Phone: 8049654040
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.7/5

Nexus Energy Systems

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Tesla Powerwall

Website: https://nexussolar.net/
Address: 10964 Richardson Rd, Ashland, VA 23005
Phone: 8043956621
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.4/5

SolarTyme

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: https://www.solartyme.net/
Address: 6710 US-1, Richmond, VA 23237
Phone: 8553913592
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Horizon Solar

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: https://www.newhorizonsolarsolutions.com/
Address: 2400 Old Brick Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23060
Phone: 3096349907
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Greentech Renewables Virginia

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: https://www.greentechrenewables.com/
Address: 4273 Carolina Ave, Richmond, VA 23222
Phone: 8047671360
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Shockoe Solar, LLC

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs

Website: http://www.shockoesolar.com/
Address: 13421 River Ridge Ln, Ashland, VA 23005
Phone: 8047989715
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

SunDay Solar

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: https://sundaysolar.com/
Address: 1139 River Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22901
Phone: 4349774292
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Tiger Solar

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: https://tigersolar.com/
Address: 1132 E Market St, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Phone: 4342933763
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Big Boss Solar

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: http://www.bigbosssolar.com/
Address: 1781 Jamestown Rd #250, Williamsburg, VA 23185
Phone: 8048081790
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Shockoe Solar, LLC

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: http://www.shockoesolar.com/
Address: 13421 River Ridge Ln, Ashland, VA 23005
Phone: 8047989715

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Lakeside

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Lakeside 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 Lakeside


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 Lakeside

Solar panels run off a free energy source — the sun — but before you can take advantage of this you first need to pay to install your panels.The installation cost is just one important factor you should consider when looking into installing solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things including:

  • The model of solar panel system you can afford: This is dependent on what your budget is.
  • Average daily sunlight: Since Lakeside gets a decent amount of average daily sunlight, your solar panels can generally produce enough energy to power your whole home, which impacts how much you can save on your energy bills.
  • Energy consumption: Installing a solar system may be a high-cost option for homes that don’t consume a good amount of energy each month.
  • Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you deduct 0 of your overall installation cost, your local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that will help you save even more. Excluding incentives, you can save an average of $9,800 over the first 20 years with your solar system, too.

Though a solar panel system costs a decent chunk of money upfront, it can save you thousands of dollars over time. The question of how much, though, depends on several factors, including the amount of daily direct sunlight available and incentives.

Solar Savings Calculator for {{ solarcalc.name }}

For an estimate of both how much you could save and impact the environment by switching to solar power, you can give the calculator below a try. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Lakeside, VA.

{{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} -year savings{{ solarcalc.total_savings()|currency }}
Estimated cost{{ solarcalc.array_cost() | currency }}
Estimated incentives{{ solarcalc.incentive_savings() | currency }}
Payback period{{ solarcalc.payback_period()|number:1 }} years
CO2 emissions prevented{{ solarcalc.CO2_total()|number:0 }} lbs
Miles driven equivalent{{ solarcalc.CO2_total()/0.78|number:0 }} mi
Why leave {{ solarcalc.total_savings()|currency }} on the table? Help the environment and your wallet by switching to solar. SAVE NOW

Electricity rate:
{{ solarcalc.elec_cost/10 }} ¢
Shade:
{{ solarcalc.shade }} %
Time period:
{{ solarcalc.time_period }} years
System size:
{{ solarcalc.system_size }} kW
Additional Incentives:
{{ solarcalc.additional_incentives|currency }}

Switching to solar in {{ solarcalc.name }} can save you {{ solarcalc.total_savings() | currency }} over the course of {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} years.

Solar Incentives in Lakeside

Because solar power is better for the environment than burning fossil fuels, there are some government incentives available to encourage people to make the switch.Local solar incentive programs vary by location and, sometimes, utility company. Many states offer rebates for solar power, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. For more information about incentives that apply to you, check out our article on solar incentives.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Lakeside

One reason so many homeowners consider going solar is to help reduce their environmental impact.You may be curious – how much does making the switch do for the environment anyway? For people who want to help cut back on greenhouse gas emissions, using solar power is a no-brainer, especially since Lakeside produces a fair amount of carbon dioxide emissions from its energy generation.Since solar panels don’t release greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere when creating electricity, they’re a good swap for traditional energy sources. In fact, you could lower your carbon dioxide emissions by about 20 pounds each year. For those who are worried about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for offsetting your carbon emissions.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • 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

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Lakeside, VA Solar Company Rankings FAQs

Which solar installation company is the best near me?

In Lakeside, Virtue Solar is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your home.

What is the negative environmental impact of solar panel manufacturing?

Solar panels can be harmful for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals when they’re made. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Making solar panels needs a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.

Is it worth putting solar panels on my roof?

Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but honestly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

What is solar panel capacity and how much do I need for my house?

Solar panel capacity is how much energy the panels can produce under ideal conditions (a sunny day around noon). The average household requires between 20 and 35 panels to cover how much energy they need.

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.