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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated June 2024
Every year, more Centreville homeowners install rooftop solar panels to provide a dependable source of power and lower their carbon footprint. Switching to solar energy can help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint, but you want to make sure you find a reputable installer. Luckily, we've done the research and compiled a guide to the best and most reliable solar installation providers in Centreville.
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
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:
Going solar can be a great way to save money on electricity costs and help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint using renewable energy. Here are some key factors to consider when determining whether a solar installer is trustworthy.
It's important to hire a licensed solar installer. This ensures 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 work on solar photovoltaic systems. A contractor with an AES license may need to subcontract HVAC, plumbing or electrical work.
Look at review platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and TrustPilot to find out what previous customers are saying about local solar providers. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s reliability and customer service. Avoid companies lacking reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.
Get free, detailed quotes from 3–5 solar companies. A quote should describe all costs and identify the solar parts included. Looking at several quotes can help you find the best value for your budget.
High-quality solar installations should have robust workmanship and performance warranties. The workmanship guarantee covers any installation issues like poor alignment, poor wiring, or cracks in the panels. The output guarantee ensures an energy generation baseline. Strong warranties reflect a solar provider's confidence in its installations.
Solar energy can help decrease your electricity costs over time. When considering solar panel's cost and value, be sure to factor in these considerations.
Solar panel costs vary based on your system's capacity and the technology used. The average solar system in Centreville has a capacity of 8.1 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area can expect to pay around $3,590 per kilowatt; the average Centreville homeowners spends about $20,263 on a new solar system after accounting for federal tax breaks. (Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to reduce upfront costs.) A personalized quote from a local solar installer will account for things like the size, panel type, and capacity of the planned system, and should include prices for labor, preliminary work, and permit fees.
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Deduction
Incentive Amount:
20% of the sales tax paid by an individual
A solar photovoltaic (PV) array can generate power to run any electric system or appliance in your home. If you don't want to use solar power for your entire home, you can install a solar heating system for your water.
There are many advantages of home solar energy. You can qualify for tax benefits, raise your property values, and save money. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also give you additional energy security and offer some protection from power outages.
It depends on your home's location and the kind of panels you plan to use. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in Centreville, your best time to install solar panels is in the spring and fall.
Yes, it's possible to use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In most parts of the country, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, meaning that you can reap the savings and environmental benefits of solar energy without having to completely switch over.
Generally speaking, your energy bills will decrease significantly after you install solar panels. This is because you're using the energy you generate for free rather than buying it from your power company. In Centreville, the average amount someone can save is $1,472 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system when your payback period is done.
Yes, solar panels can still generate energy during a grid outage. To ensure that your solar system is able to keep working during a power outage, make sure to choose a quality solar provider and look for a solar system that includes a battery backup.
Ultimately, the answer will depend on your specific situation. You'll be eligible for a federal tax credit of up to 30% of the system's cost, as well as state or local incentives depending on where you are. As for insurance, you'll need to inform your insurance company about your new solar panels. Your premium may increase due to added property values, but you'll have peace of mind if a covered event happens to the system.
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.