6 Best Solar Companies in Suffolk, VA (2024 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 6 in Suffolk based on:

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

Average Suffolk homeowner saves $1,507/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 Suffolk

Searching for the top solar companies in Suffolk? Installing solar panels is an exciting project that many homeowners find beneficial for their wallets, communities and the planet. For most homeowners, the decision to invest in solar depends on how much they can save. The good news is solar can help most homeowners save a considerable amount on their large and increasing energy bills.


The cost of installing solar panels can change substantially according to your home’s layout and your household energy requirements.If you’d like to get free, no-obligation quotes from the best Suffolk solar companies, you can click the button below to learn more.

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 Suffolk

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Gault Electric LLC

  • 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 Panel Installation
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Financing Assistance

Website: http://www.gaultelectric.com/
Address: 806 City Ctr Blvd, Newport News, VA 23606
Phone: 7572203300
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Freedom Solar Power - Virginia Solar Panel Installers

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Grid-Tied Solar System
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Off-Grid Solar Systems
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Tesla Powerwall

Website: https://freedomsolarpower.com/locations/virginia-solar-company
Address: 500 Woodlake Dr Ste 109, Chesapeake, VA 23320
Phone: 7572507626
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.7/5

Solar Services, Inc.

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance

Website: https://www.solarservices.com/
Address: 877 Seahawk Cir #101, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Phone: 7574276300
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Unlimited Solar

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.myunlimitedsolar.com/
Address: 936 General Booth Blvd suite b, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Phone: 7575252760
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Neptune City Solar Panels

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.solar-virginiabeach.com/
Address: 1503 Parks Ave #16, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Phone: 8045315076
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Big Boss Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Financing Assistance

Website: http://www.bigbosssolar.com/
Address: 1781 Jamestown Rd #250, Williamsburg, VA 23185
Phone: 8048081790

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Suffolk

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


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 Suffolk

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 system.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 such as:

  • How much sunlight your roof gets: If your roof gets limited direct sunlight, your solar system won’t be able to generate as much energy, which will give you lower savings on power bills than a house with a roof that gets plenty of sunlight.
  • Choice of solar panels: The type of solar panels you get will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels are more expensive upfront but can also lead to more savings over the lifetime of your system. If space isn't a constraint for your project, you can go with a higher number of more affordable panels.
  • Your home's power bills: Because of fairly high monthly electricity bills in Suffolk, you could save about $1,600 a year with solar.
  • Typical energy usage: The more electricity your home consumes on average and the larger your current energy bills are, the more money you could save by switching to solar.

There are several good benefits of solar even with the initial cost of installation. It can help the Earth and your finances. Plus, it can increase the value of your home, giving you even more benefits if you choose to sell your home later.

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Solar Incentives in Suffolk

Since solar power is better for the environment than traditional energy sources, there are a number of government incentives available to encourage its adoption.You qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar system. You can also possibly pair the ITC with other local rebates and benefits. Check out our article on solar incentives to see what incentives are available to you.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Suffolk

There are lots of reasons to make the switch to solar power, like saving some money on utility bills and helping to reduce your carbon footprint.Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Suffolk, though. How much energy you use is a key factor to keep in mind. The more energy your household consumes, the greater your impact when you make the switch to solar power.Even though solar panel manufacturing releases carbon dioxide emissions, the panels make up for it by considerably lowering the amount of CO2 you would have been responsible for if you still used nonrenewable energy. In Suffolk, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 60 pounds a year with solar panels. For homeowners who care 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 Suffolk, VA Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the most reputable solar company in Suffolk?

The best local solar company in Suffolk is Gault Electric LLC, with a rating of 4.90 stars.

What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?

Manufacturing solar panels uses chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be harmful for the environment, which is the main negative thing about solar panels.

How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?

The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 13.3 years, but the exact period depends on local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.

How efficient are solar panels?

Usually, solar panels are about 15 to 25% efficient, which means they can convert that percentage of the energy from the sun into usable electricity.

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.