12 Best Solar Companies in University Center, VA (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 12 in University Center based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for University Center, VA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average University Center homeowner saves $1,426/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in University Center
Hoping to obtain energy freedom in University Center? Installing solar panels can be a rewarding course of action since you can take advantage of a lot of perks when you switch to solar power. Solar panels aren't just good for the planet — your budget will benefit too. With solar power, you can save an average of $17,000 over 20 years, and this doesn't even include incentives.
If you're planning on going solar, the first step to take is to find the best solar companies in University Center and compare quotes. The great news is we did the hard work and came up with a list of the best solar companies to make your life easier. To get a sense of what it might cost to install solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to get a quote from a certified installer near you.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in University Center
Average Cost
SunPower
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Most efficient panels on the market - National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
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Expensive - Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
-
Solar Panels - Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- System Monitoring
Average Cost
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- System Monitoring
Ipsun Solar
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Recognized Excellence
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Skilled repairs
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Energy storage solutions
SmartRoof - Roofing and Solar
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Skilled repairs
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Average Cost
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Average Cost
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
- Maintenance & Repairs
Average Cost
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Solar Roof Shingles
- System Monitoring
American Solar Enterprises LLC
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Professional reinstallation
- Skilled repairs
Prospect Solar LLC
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
Virginia Renewables
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
RNR Energy Solutions
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in University Center
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in University Center 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 University Center
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 University Center
For many homeowners, the decision to invest in solar panels boils down to the cost. Some important things that influence how much it will cost and how much you could save include:
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone qualifies for, allows you to deduct 30% of the cost of your solar system installation from your taxes. Additionally, not including incentives, you can save about $17,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
- Average daily sunlight: Since University Center gets a decent amount of average daily sunlight, your solar panels can generally produce enough energy to power your whole home, which affects how much you can save on your energy bills.
- Typical energy usage: The more electricity your household consumes on average and the higher your current electricity bills are, the more money you could save by making the switch to solar.
- Choice of solar panels: The kind of solar panels you need will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels are more expensive upfront but can also save you more money over the lifetime of your system. If you don't need to maximize efficiency, you can go with a higher number of more affordable panels.
Although a solar panel system costs a good chunk of money upfront, it can save you much more over the lifespan of your panels. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, such as the size of your house and your energy consumption.
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For an estimate of both how much you could save and impact the Earth by installing a solar panel system, you can give the calculator below a try. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for University Center, VA.
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Solar Incentives in University Center
Because solar power is better for the environment than fossil fuels, there are a number of government incentives in place to encourage its adoption. When you install solar panels, you can take advatage of the federal tax credit, or ITC. This credit currently lets you lower your tax bill by 30% of the cost of your solar panels. Additionally, there are often some state and city incentives that you can use to further save. For comprehensive information about local incentives, visit our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in University Center
There are a few important reasons why homeowners are considering solar energy: for the financial and environmental benefits. Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in University Center, though. A significant thing to keep in mind is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if you spend a lot of time driving to work, your footprint may be larger, so adopting solar power for your home can help offset that. In University Center, the average homeowner can lower their carbon footprint by 60 pounds a year once they go solar. Since energy from the sun is plentiful and makes electricity without releasing carbon emissions, making the switch to solar power is one easy step you can take to help protect the planet.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's University Center, VA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the top solar installer in University Center?
The top local solar company in University Center is GreenBrilliance, with a rating of 5.00 stars.
What are some of the major advantages and disadvantages of switching to solar?
The advantages of solar power are that it can reduce or, for some, completely erase your electricity bills, improve your home's value and reduce your carbon footprint. The disadvantages are that solar panels can be pricey to install, you may not save as much if you don't use a lot of electricity and whether you can install solar panels depends on your roof configuration.
Is it worth putting solar panels on my house?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but truthfully, 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 fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
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.