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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 Burke. 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 Burke, Virginia, requires you to hire a solar technician that is properly certified, trained and experienced. To guide your search for the right installer, we've compiled a list of the highest-ranking solar companies in Burke.
Prior to choosing an installer, get referrals, review potential installers and obtain multiple quotes to determine the best company for you. You can pick a local Burke solar company or choose an established national brand.
While solar panels require a large initial investment, you can cut your energy expenses in the long term by making the switch. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), switching to solar energy allows Burke homeowners to save a yearly average of around $1,400.
The products from different solar technicians vary. Be sure to compare companies and get quotes before you schedule your solar panel installation.
When researching Burke solar companies, find those with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, in addition to a decent reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reviewing previous customer reviews will provide a sense of how other homeowners viewed the company, so be wary if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Even areas with variable sun amounts, including rainier and cloudier places such as Burke, can still use solar panels. Major reasons to switch to solar are:
Based on our survey conducted in October 2023, the average national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels depends on factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof positioning, shading, system size and labor. The cost increases if you select any extras like animal guards, batteries or solar trackers.
Based on data from the EIA, NASA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), installing solar panels in Burke averages around $20,263.
While solar panel installation might be a sizable initial cost, you are positioned to see major savings on your electricity costs over time.
Homeowners in Burke who move completely to solar energy can anticipate saving money. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and factors such as rainfall and tree coverage impact the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
Not only does switching 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
A variety of solar incentives are available to Burke homeowners. Some programs are open to all Virginia residents, though others vary by city, utility company and municipality.
According to 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. |
Before choosing a solar panel installation professional, evaluate these key considerations.
The right solar system size for you depends on how much energy your household needs, as well as the system's energy production ratio. Larger homes often need larger solar panel systems. If the system isn't big enough, it could struggle to generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Your solar plans may be impacted by specific permits and state or local rules. You must get proper permits through your local building department and coordinate an inspection.
Not all residences get equal levels of sunlight. Area tree cover, rain levels and severe weather can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn't get adequate sun, it may require more panels with higher wattage.
Many solar panel systems feature a solar battery. Solar batteries store extra energy, which can be crucial for preventing power loss during storms. Opting for battery storage could raise the total cost.
There are multiple solar panel types available, with differences in efficiency, design and life expectancy. 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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