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Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 10 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Alexandria. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
Top-quality solar panel installation in Alexandria, Virginia, requires you to hire a solar company that is certified, trained and experienced. To help your search for the best installer, we've put together a list of the leading solar companies in Alexandria.
Before deciding on an installer, ask others for suggestions, evaluate the installers you're considering and get quotes from multiple companies to find the one that meets your needs. You can go with a local solar company in Alexandria or pick a well-known national brand.
While installing solar panels requires a substantial initial investment, it can lower your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that transitioning to solar energy enables Alexandria homeowners to save an average of $1,400 every year.
The services from different solar technicians aren't all the same. Be sure to compare companies and get quotes before you book your solar panel installation.
Look for Alexandria solar companies with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and similar customer review platforms. The company should also have a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Look at reviews to understand other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and watch for consistent bad reviews.
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Places with varying amounts of sun, including those with higher levels of rain or cloud coverage like Alexandria, can still benefit from solar energy. Here are the best reasons for considering solar energy:
According to our survey carried out in October 2023, the median national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The cost of installing solar panels varies based on several elements, including your location, sunlight exposure, roof orientation, shading, system dimensions and labor. Be prepared to pay extra if you pick any accessories like solar trackers, batteries or animal guards.
Based on numbers from the EIA, NASA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), solar panel installation in Alexandria has an average cost of $20,117.
Solar panel installation is a sizable initial investment, but you can expect to see major savings reflected in your energy bills over time.
In Alexandria, you can anticipate saving money after transitioning fully to solar. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage influence how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
Not only does transitioning to solar save you money, but it also reduces your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are projected CO2 emission reductions you can expect from going solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Experts Ready to Help
Alexandria homeowners can take advantage of various solar incentives. Particular programs are available statewide to all Virginia residents, while others depend on city, municipality and utility company.
Per the DSIRE, here are the solar incentives offered to Virginia residents:
Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
---|---|
Personal Tax Deduction Income Tax Deduction for Energy-Efficient Products | 20% of the sales tax paid by an individual |
Property Tax Incentive Local Option- Renewable Energy Machinery and Tools Property Tax Exemption | Depends on the local governing body |
Property Tax Incentive Local Option - Residential Property Tax Exemption for Solar | Varies (local option) |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
When selecting a solar panel installation professional, first review these key considerations.
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio dictate the appropriate panel system size for you. More expansive houses tend to use more power and will potentially need larger solar installations. An undersized system faces the risk of inadequate energy generation to fully power your home.
Your solar plans may be impacted by certain regulatory requirements and state or local rules. You must secure proper permits through your local building department and arrange for an inspection.
Not all residences get equal levels of sunlight. The tree density, precipitation levels and severe weather can impact sunlight amounts. If your home doesn't get enough sun, it may require extra panels with higher wattage.
Numerous solar panel systems provide a battery. Solar batteries store extra power, which is especially useful when you want to avoid power loss when there's no sunshine. Adding battery storage might affect the overall expense.
There are several solar panel types available, with differences in design, life expectancy and efficiency. These aspects impact not just the cost, but also how often panels will need to be replaced and the space needed on your roof.
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
Our editors may use AI as an input tool to tailor information in local markets. All content goes through a rigorous research and review process led by our team of writers and editors.
Our guide explores the best solar companies available. Trinity and Elevation top our list for their services, and Sunrun rounds it out with its leasing options.
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While you can save money installing DIY solar panels, it’s not a simple home improvement project and does require electrical know-how as well as roofing skills.
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Sleek and innovative, solar shingles are gaining rapid popularity. They cost more than traditional solar panels but are also more aesthetically pleasing.
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Solar panels last about 25 years, according to our expert. Our guide explains how to get the most out of your system’s life.
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