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

Average University Center homeowner saves $1,426/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 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 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 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

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

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

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in University Center

Best National Provider
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Average Cost

Read full review

SunPower

  • Pros icon Most efficient panels on the market
  • Pros icon National coverage
  • Pros icon Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Pros icon Great warranty coverage
  • Con icon Expensive
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://us.sunpower.com/
Best Solar Financing
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EcoWatch Rating

4.5/5

Average Cost

Read full review

Blue Raven Solar

  • Pros icon Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Pros icon Competitive pricing
  • Pros icon Excellent reputation
  • Con icon Doesn't offer solar batteries

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://blueravensolar.com/
Best Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Ipsun Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions

Website: https://www.ipsunsolar.com/
Address: 1201 Connecticut Ave NW 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 8664847786
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

SmartRoof - Roofing and Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://smartroofinc.com/washington-dc-roofing-contractors/
Address: 1629 K St NW #300, Washington, DC 20006
Phone: 2025191372
Best Warranty Coverage
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Read full review

Sunpro Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades

Website: https://www.gosunpro.com/
Best Social Impact
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Palmetto Solar

  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Pros icon Makes charitable contributions
  • Pros icon Certified B Corp
  • Con icon No leases or PPAs
  • Con icon Quality of installation may vary by location

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
  • Service icon Maintenance & Repairs

Website: https://palmetto.com/
Best Technology
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EcoWatch Rating

3.2/5

Average Cost

Read full review

Tesla Energy

  • Pros icon Price-match guarantee
  • Pros icon Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Pros icon Best solar battery on the market
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer service
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Solar Roof Shingles
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://www.tesla.com/energy
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

American Solar Enterprises LLC

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Professional reinstallation
  • Service icon Skilled repairs

Website: http://www.thesolardr.com/
Address: 46400 Benedict Dr STE 203, Sterling, VA 20164
Phone: 7035891136
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Prospect Solar LLC

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.prospectsolar.com/
Address: 22570 Markey Ct Suite #102, Sterling, VA 20166
Phone: 7034442447
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS LLC

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.ess-llc.com/
Address: 161 Fort Evans Rd STE 250, Leesburg, VA 20176
Phone: 7036509500
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Virginia Renewables

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.virginiarenewables.com/
Address: 880 Harrison St SE, Leesburg, VA 20175
Phone: 7037725970
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

RNR Energy Solutions

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.rnrenergysolutions.com/
Address: 668 Gateway Dr SE UNIT 413, Leesburg, VA 20175
Phone: 2403768020

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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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 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

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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.