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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 Oakton. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
To get a high-quality solar panel installation in Oakton, Virginia, you'll need to hire a properly certified, skilled and experienced solar installer. We've assembled a list of the top solar companies in Oakton to help you select the right one.
Before hiring an installer, ask others for recommendations, vet potential installers and obtain multiple quotes to find the right company for your requirements. You can find a local solar company in Oakton or use an established national brand.
Although solar panels are a big upfront investment, you can reduce your energy bills over the long run. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that moving to solar energy enables Oakton homeowners to save about $810 per year.
Not every solar company provides the same offerings. Prior to scheduling your solar panel installation, compare different companies' offerings and get multiple quotes.
When looking into Oakton solar companies, search for those with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, in addition to a positive reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Looking at previous customer reviews will provide a sense of how other homeowners felt about the company, so take note 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.
Regions with inconsistent sunshine, including those with more rain or clouds like Oakton, can still make use of solar energy. A few key motivations to transition to solar energy include these:
According to our survey conducted in October 2023, the median national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels hinges on factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. The price goes up if you select any extras like batteries, solar trackers or animal guards.
According to statistics from NASA, the EIA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the mean cost to install solar panels in Oakton is $20,263.
While solar panel installation may be a hefty initial cost, you stand to see major savings on your electricity costs over time.
Homeowners in Oakton who move completely to solar energy can expect to save 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.
Transitioning to solar not only saves money but also reduces your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the projected CO2 emission reductions attainable by going solar.
Experts Ready to Help
A variety of solar incentives are available to Oakton homeowners. Various programs are available to all Virginia residents, while others vary by municipality, utility company and city.
Accessible solar incentives to Virginia homeowners, per DSIRE, include:
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. |
Consider these key points before hiring a solar panel installation professional.
The right solar system size for you relies on how much energy your household uses, as well as the system's energy production ratio. More energy-intensive households often need bigger solar setups. If the system isn't big enough, it may fail to generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Required permits and local or state regulations could influence your solar project. Be sure to obtain necessary permits through your local building department and schedule an inspection.
Not every house gets the same level of sunlight. Nearby trees, rain and extreme weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks adequate sunlight, you may need a higher amount of panels with increased wattage.
Many solar panel systems feature a solar battery. Solar batteries save extra energy, which can be crucial for avoiding outages during storms. Opting for battery storage could raise the total cost.
You have options among solar panel types, as they differ in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These elements can change the cost, when you'll need to swap panels and space used 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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