3 Best Solar Companies in Richlands, VA (2023 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 3 in Richlands based on:

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

Average Richlands homeowner saves $1,392/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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 Richlands

Searching for the best solar companies in Richlands? Installing a solar panel system is an exciting venture that many homeowners find valuable for their wallets, communities and the planet. On average, your family can save $17,000 over 20 years by using solar power. And because solar panels have a lifespan of about 25 to 30 years, your total savings will be much higher than that overall.

Here, we'll list out some of the best solar companies in Richlands to make your decision a little bit easier. We suggest shopping around for quite a few quotes and comparing them to find the best installer for your home. To get started with free, no-obligation quotes from vetted solar panel companies in Richlands, click the link 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 Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Richlands

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Solar Response, LLC

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: http://www.solar-response.com/
Address: 1408 W State St, Bristol, TN 37620
Phone: 4233836044
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Ecological Energy Systems

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: http://www.yourecoenergy.com/
Address: 1105 W State St, Bristol, VA 24201
Phone: 4235734361
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Collaborative Solar, LLC

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: http://collaborativesolar.com/
Address: 185 Eastbrook Dr, Boone, NC 28607
Phone: 7044382222

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Richlands

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


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 Richlands

We know that for most homeowners, the decision to invest in solar hinges on installation costs. The installation cost is just one important factor you should bear in mind when looking into installing solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things including:

  • average energy usage: The more electricity your household uses on average and the larger your current electricity bills are, the more likely you'll benefit from going solar.
  • Incentives: Those who purchase and install a solar energy system this year can save 30% of their installation costs by taking advantage of the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $17,000 on your utility bills over 20 years not including incentives.
  • System size and type: Some models are more expensive than others, so the one you get can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need, the more it'll cost.
  • How much sunlight your roof gets: If your rooftop doesn't see much direct sunlight, your solar panels won't be able to generate as much energy, which will give you lower savings on energy bills than a roof that gets lots of sunlight.

Though a solar panel system costs a decent chunk of money upfront, it can save you a considerable amount over time. The question of how much, though, depends on several factors, such as the size of your house and your local electricity rates.

Solar Savings Calculator for {{ solarcalc.name }}

To see how much you can impact the environment and your wallet by making the switch to solar, try out the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Richlands, 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. This means that with an average cost of {{ solarcalc.array_cost() | currency }}, it would take {{ solarcalc.payback_period()|number:1 }} years to recover the cost of of your solar array.

Solar Incentives in Richlands

There are several reasons why you should switch to solar. One of them includes some government incentives that can save you money. On top of the federal solar investment tax credit, there are also some state- and city-level benefits, which in almost all cases, can be claimed in addition to the federal incentive, so you get to save even more. For more information about incentives for homeowners in Richlands, check out our article on solar incentives.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Richlands

Swapping traditional energy for solar is a great way to do what you can for a more sustainable future. A question many might be asking themselves is how much can they really help the environment by going solar anyway? If your family uses lots of energy, you can impact the environment even more by switching to solar energy. In Richlands, the average resident can reduce their carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year once they go solar. If you want to do what you can for the environment, you'll likely understand that there are many benefits of adopting solar power other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is more valuable.

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 Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Richlands, VA Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the best solar panel installation company in Richlands?

In Richlands, Elite Roof and Solar - Boone is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.06 stars, so it's a good choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your roof.

What is the negative environmental impact of solar panel manufacturing?

Solar panels can be bad for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals when they're made. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing requires 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 most homeowners, but admittedly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

How often do solar panels have to be replaced?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency after that time.

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.