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3 Best Solar Companies in Bristol, VA

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Written By David Cusick

Last Updated June 2024

Rooftop solar energy is becoming increasingly popular for homeowners in Bristol. A new solar energy system can help you provide a dependable source of power, decrease your carbon footprint, and add value to your property. Switching to solar energy can help you save money and lower your carbon footprint, but you want to make sure you find a qualified installer. That’s why we’ve researched the options and compiled a guide to the most trustworthy solar Installers in Bristol. These top companies offer high-quality and reliable services.

Our Recommended Providers

Top Pick
4.3/5
  • BluePower Plus+ financing program
  • Good selection of quality panels
  • Most affordable options

Top 3 Best Solar Companies in Bristol

Future Smart

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1227 Volunteer Pkwy Suite 537, Bristol, TN 37620 (423) 793-7885 gofuturesmart.org

Informative resources

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Battery storage
Panel installation
Permit assistance

Ecological Energy Systems

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1105 W State St, Bristol, VA 24201 (423) 573-4361 yourecoenergy.com

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Services Offered

Battery storage
Cleaning and maintenance
Panel installation

Collaborative Solar, LLC

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185 Eastbrook Dr, Boone, NC 28607 (704) 438-2222 collaborativesolar.com

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Services Offered

Consultation
Panel installation
Today's Homeowner Ranking Methodology

Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:

  • Company Experience
  • Real User Reviews
  • Company Reputation
  • Accreditations and Licenses
  • Service Area
  • Customer Service
Have questions about our methodology or company ratings? Reach out to FindAPro@TodaysHomeowner.com.

How To Choose a Solar Company

Adopting solar power lets homeowners reduce utility bills while benefiting the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using clean energy. If you’re deciding whether to go solar, consider these key factors for choosing an installer.

Check Licensing

Make sure you hire a licensed solar installer. This helps ensure that the work is done correctly using the most up-to-date installation methods. Since 2012, Virginia's Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation has issued Alternative Energy Systems (AES) licenses to contractors who install solar photovoltaic systems. Even if a contractor has an AES license, they may still need to subcontract electrical, HVAC or plumbing work.

Read Customer Reviews

Check review sites like TrustPilot, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see feedback from past customers on local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you assess a company's reliability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have very few reviews or mostly negative ones.

Compare Multiple Quotes

Call three to five solar companies for free, itemized quotes. These quotes should explain all costs and list the solar equipment included. Reviewing multiple quotes helps you find the most cost-effective option for your budget.

Ask About the Warranty

Quality solar installations should come with comprehensive workmanship and performance warranties. The workmanship guarantee covers any installation issues such as poor wiring, poor alignment, or cracks in the panels. The performance warranty promises a specific energy output level. Strong guarantees indicate that a solar installer trusts its installations.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Solar power can help reduce your electricity costs long-term. When considering solar panel's cost and value, be sure to consider these considerations.

  • Research federal and state tax credits: There’s a 26% federal tax credit available for the full cost of solar systems until 2032. Many states also offer incentives. The credits can result in significant savings for solar buyers.
  • Compare system purchase options: Homeowners may purchase solar panels upfront or spread out payments over time with leases or loans. Be sure to check key details like annual percentage rate (APR), fees, payment schedule, and what ownership means when financing solar panels.
  • Look into utility rebates: Local utility companies may offer additional rebates to encourage homeowners to install solar panels. Check the requirements to qualify and the rebate values with your local utility provider to determine what you could save.

Cost of Solar Installation in Bristol

Bristol homeowners typically spend about $20,381 on home solar systems after federal tax refunds. Solar arrays in Bristol cost roughly $3,590 per kilowatt, with the average residential solar system being 8.1 kilowatts. A personalized estimate from a local solar provider will include costs for preliminary work, permit fees, and labor, and will account for your system's size, capacity, and panel type. Some homeowners prefer to lease their solar panels to reduce upfront costs.

Bristol Solar Incentives Guide

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Deduction

Incentive Amount:

20% of the sales tax paid by an individual

Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive

Website: law.lis.virginia.gov

Incentive Amount:

Depends on the local governing body

Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive

Website: dmme.virginia.gov

Incentive Amount:

Varies (local option)

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit

Website: ecowatch.com

Incentive Amount:

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Bristol, VA

Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) system can be used to power any household system or appliance that uses electricity. In the smallest case, you can use a solar water heating system.

With home solar energy, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your home's carbon footprint, and be better prepared if there's an outage to the local grid.

It depends on where you live and what type of panels you're installing. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in Bristol, your best time to install solar panels is in the spring and fall.

You might be pleasantly surprised at how short it takes to get a return on investment from your solar panels. The sun shines frequently in Bristol, meaning your payback period could last 19.1 years per 5 kW of capacity on the high end.

The type of solar panels you have will have specific maintenance steps to follow. Regardless of type, you should clean your panels regularly and inspect them for damage. Many solar contractors in the Bristol area offer comprehensive maintenance plans to help you keep your panels healthy and make the most of your system.

While solar energy might not be ideal for some in wet or dark areas, the latest generation of equipment and energy storage systems could increase your property's solar viability enough where you could achieve a return on investment. A contractor could also recommend a different primary source of renewable energy like wind or geothermal to boost your generation.

Solar panels are gaining traction for their high efficiency and low maintenance costs. Depending on how much sunlight your property receives, you may find they're the best performing source of renewable energy compared to others.

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