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10 best solar companies in Reston, Virginia
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 Reston. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
High-quality solar panel installation in Reston, Virginia requires you to find a solar installer with proper certification, skills and experience. We've created a list of top solar companies in Reston to help you find the right installer.
Prior to hiring an installer, ask others for recommendations, evaluate potential installers and collect multiple quotes to identify the right company for you. You can pick a local Reston solar company or choose a reputable national brand.
- Extends 25-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Provides solar panel and battery installation
- Offers comprehensive financing
While solar panels are a big upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long term. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that moving to solar energy lets Reston homeowners to save about $1,400 per year.
Solar companies do not all provide identical services and products. You should look at different companies and get quotes before scheduling your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Reston
Look for Reston solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer feedback on Google Reviews and similar sites. Make sure the company has a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when selecting a solar company.
Looking at previous customer testimonials can provide insight into other homeowners' experiences working with the solar company. Frequent poor reviews are worth making a note of as a possible red flag.
Greenway home improvements
Services offered
Highlights
- Free quotes
- Reliable customer support
GreenBrilliance
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Sky NRG Solar Inc.
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
American Solar Enterprises LLC
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Prospect Solar LLC
Services offered
Highlights
- Reliable customer support
- Free quotes
Glim Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Advanced Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Reliable customer support
- Informative resources
- Prompt service delivery
- Free quotes
EDGE Energy
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
SunGaze Solar, L.L.C.
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Sustainable Energy Systems LLC
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
More providers
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Solar-Verse
Suntuity Solar
Tiger Solar
Advanced Green Home Solutions
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Reston?
Even areas with fluctuating sun amounts, including rainier and overcast places such as Reston, can still benefit from solar panels. Major reasons to adopt solar are:
- Charge an electric vehicle: Solar energy lets you charge electric cars at your house. Using your own power is the best way to ensure your electric vehicle uses renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: Moving to solar allows you to decrease your energy bills. Electricity from solar panels replaces the utility-supplied power you'd normally buy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Switching to solar lowers your carbon footprint by saving fossil fuels that would otherwise be used to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), electricity production is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about Reston
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Reston?
Based on a survey we did in October 2023, the median cost of upgrading to solar panels across the country is $11,743.
The price of installing solar panels differs based on several elements, including your location, sunlight access, roof orientation, shading, system size and labor. Be prepared to pay extra if you pick any accessories like solar trackers, batteries or animal guards.
Drawing from data from NASA, the EIA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), installing solar panels in Reston typically costs $20,263.
How much can you save by going solar in Reston?
Though installing solar panels requires a substantial investment to start, you can achieve considerable savings on your energy bills in the future.
Money savings in Reston from going solar
In Reston, you can anticipate saving money once you've transitioned fully to solar. But it takes time to make back the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage impact how soon you'll get a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the length of time required for a solar panel system to offset its upfront cost through energy bill savings. Based on our calculations, which leverage data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, Reston's standard solar payback period is 14 years.
- Annual solar savings in Reston: On average, Reston homeowners can save $1,448 per year utilizing solar energy, according to our calculations based on data from NASA, the EIA and the Department of Energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: After fully switching to solar power, you can expect to save about $20,682 over 25 years, according to our calculations from NASA and the EIA.
Energy savings in Reston from going solar
Beyond cost savings, switching to solar power also lessens your carbon footprint and lowers your environmental impact. Provided below are the approximated CO2 emission reductions you can expect from solar energy, as determined by our analysis of data from NASA and the EPA.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 58 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 1450 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Reston?
A variety of solar incentives are available to Reston homeowners. Various programs are offered to all Virginia residents, though others differ by utility company, city and municipality.
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. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Reston solar installer?
Consider these key points before hiring a professional solar panel installation company.
What size system do you need?
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio determine the appropriate panel system size for you. Bigger houses tend to use more power and will potentially need larger solar installations. An undersized system could lead to inadequate energy generation to fully power your home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Specific permits and state or local requirements could affect your solar project. You’ll need to secure the proper permits through your local building department and book an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Nearby trees, rainfall and extreme weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may need more panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A solar battery allows the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This is especially useful when you're trying to prevent power loss under cloudy skies. The addition of battery storage can increase the cost of installation.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
There are several solar panel types available, with differences in design, life expectancy and efficiency. These aspects impact not just the cost, but also panel replacement frequency and roof space requirements.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
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.
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