6 Best Solar Companies in Portsmouth, VA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 6 in Portsmouth based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Portsmouth, VA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Portsmouth homeowner saves $1,585/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Portsmouth
Are you looking for energy freedom in Portsmouth? Installing solar panels can be a rewarding home project since you can enjoy many benefits after adopting solar power. Solar panels aren't just good for the planet — your bank account will be better off too. With solar power, you can save an average of $19,000 over 20 years, and this doesn't even include incentives.
In this article, we’ll help you narrow in on the top options in your area.Want to know the cost of installing solar panels on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a highly rated Portsmouth solar installer.
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 Portsmouth
Solar Services, Inc.
Reliable Customer Support- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Skilled Repairs
- Permit Assistance
Freedom Solar Power - Virginia Solar Panel Installers
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Tesla Powerwall
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Unlimited Solar
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
Gault Electric LLC
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
Neptune City Solar Panels
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Skilled Repairs
- System Decommissioning
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Big Boss Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Portsmouth
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth
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 Portsmouth
For many readers, the decision of which solar installer to hire comes down to pricing.There are a few factors you should take into consideration when determining the overall cost and how much you can save, such as:
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you deduct 0 of your total installation cost, your state or local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that will help you save even more. Not including incentives, you can save an average of $19,000 over 20 years with your system, too.
- System size and type: Some models are more costly than others, so the one you choose can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need to buy, the more it'll cost.
- Energy consumption: Installing solar panels may be an expensive investment for families that don’t need too much energy per month.
- Your city: This influences the average daily sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
Thanks to solar panels now being cheaper than ever as well as local and federal solar incentives, they are a sound investment for most homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Portsmouth
One of the good things about installing a solar panel system is receiving incentives from the government.On top of the federal tax credit incentive, there are also some state- and city-level benefits, which in almost all cases, stack with the federal incentive, so you get to save even more. For comprehensive information about local incentives, check out our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Portsmouth
There are a few big reasons why homeowners are interested in solar energy: for the good of their bank accounts and the planet.You may be curious – how much does going solar help the environment anyway? As reported by the EPA, electricity production is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and about 62% of our electricity is produced by burning fossil fuels. Installing solar panels and switching to renewable energy can help put a dent in that statistic in a city like Portsmouth that is responsible for a sizable amount of carbon dioxide emissions each year.Because solar panels don’t release carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere when generating electricity, they’re a good alternative to nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could look forward to lowering your carbon dioxide emissions by about 60 pounds each year. For homeowners who are concerned about 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 Portsmouth, VA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar installer in Portsmouth?
The highest-rated local solar company in Portsmouth is Solar Services, Inc., with a rating of 4.70 stars.
Are solar panels really environmentally friendly?
Manufacturing solar panels uses chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be bad for the environment, which is the main drawback of solar panels.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after getting solar panels?
Solar panels generally pay for themselves in about 12.7 years, but your solar payback period will vary depending on your utility costs. The more your typical electricity 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. 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, 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.