Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated June 2024
Year after year, more Chesapeake residents use rooftop solar panels to add value to their property and provide a dependable source of power. Solar power can cut your energy costs and shrink your carbon footprint. However, it's important to choose a reputable solar installer. That’s why, after properly vetting installers, we put together a guide to the most reputable solar companies in Chesapeake. These installers offer excellent service.
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
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 lower electricity costs and help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint using renewable energy. Here are some crucial factors to consider when evaluating if a solar installer is trustworthy.
It's imperative that your solar installer has the proper licensing. 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 installing solar photovoltaic systems. Even if a contractor has an AES license, they may still need to subcontract HVAC, plumbing or electrical work.
Check review sites like Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and TrustPilot to see feedback from past customers on local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a company's reliability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have very few reviews or mostly negative ones.
Contact 3–5 solar companies to receive free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly explain all costs and specify the exact solar components included. Comparing multiple quotes helps identify the best value based on your budget.
Quality solar installations should have strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship warranty covers any installation defects (such as poor alignment, poor wiring, or cracks in the panels), while a performance warranty ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong warranties show that a company is confident in its work.
Going solar can help reduce your energy expenses. Be sure to consider these aspects when judging the cost and value of solar panels.
The cost of home solar panels in Chesapeake depends on several factors, including your system's expected capacity and the type of panels you'll use. Generally speaking, a typical solar energy system will cost $3,590 per kilowatt, not including labor, permit fees, or preliminary work. Most solar systems in Chesapeake are 7.3 kilowatts, and the typical Chesapeake homeowners spends $18,339 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer to lease solar panels and reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Deduction
Incentive Amount:
20% of the sales tax paid by an individual
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 heater.
There are a number of benefits to home solar energy. You can save money, reduce emissions, and qualify for tax benefits. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also offer you further energy independence and offer some protection from power outages.
Of course. The grid in Chesapeake already uses a large share of renewable energy sources, and you may be able to sell your excess generated energy to your utility for additional cost savings.
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 Chesapeake, the average amount someone can save is $1,448 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.
Your payback period is the time to earn a net profit from your solar panels. It will vary based on the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power, the average sunlight in your area, and their rated capacity. Chesapeake has extremely high daily sunlight levels, so you could recoup your investment in as little as 12.7 years per 5 kW of rated capacity.
Net metering is a type of "power purchase agreement." If your utility or state offers net metering, you can return the solar energy you don't use to the grid. In return, they'll give you a credit on your power bill.
While solar energy is a great option for many, it might not be ideal for homeowners in wet, dark areas. In these cases, you could consider other forms of renewable energy, such as wind or geothermal power, as a primary source. It is also important to speak to a qualified installer to determine if their solar system is compatible with the climate and environment of your area. Even if you choose a different form of renewable energy altogether, you'll still help the environment and could still qualify for distributed generation or other money-saving programs.
Absolutely. Solar panels exist independently from the power grid in Chesapeake and will continue to generate power even if the grid is having problems. Keep in mind, however, that a solar system without a storage system cannot keep you running through a nighttime outage. Your contractor can discuss some economical options to keep your home's power access reliable through the worst conditions, including battery backups or an emergency generator.
