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:
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Customer review scores - Service area for Richlands, VA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Richlands homeowner saves $1,392/year with solar panels
Updated September 15, 2023
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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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Richlands
Solar Response, LLC
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Clear Pricing Policy - Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Home installations - Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
Ecological Energy Systems
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
Collaborative Solar, LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
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.
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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.
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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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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.