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10 Best Solar Companies in Chester, VA

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Written By David Cusick

Last Updated April 2024

Solar is one of the most easily accessible forms of renewable energy for Chester homeowners. Solar power can cut your energy costs and lower your carbon footprint. However, it's important to hire a qualified solar installer. Luckily, we’ve conducted comprehensive research local solar installers and compiled a guide to the best solar companies in Chester. These trusted providers are smart choices homeowners can depend on.

Our Recommended Providers

Top Pick
4.7/5
  • High-quality Maxeon solar panels
  • Nearly 30 years in business
  • Great customer service
Best Financing Options
4.3/5
  • BluePower Plus+ financing program
  • Good selection of quality panels
  • Most affordable options

Top 10 Best Solar Companies in Chester

SolarTyme

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6710 US-1, Richmond, VA 23237 (855) 391-3592 solartyme.net

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Panel installation
Battery storage

Greentech Renewables Virginia

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4273 Carolina Ave, Richmond, VA 23222 (804) 767-1360 greentechrenewables.com

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Panel installation
Battery storage

Radiant Home | Solar, Roofing, Battery Backup

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9962 Brook Rd Suite 660, Glen Allen, VA 23059 (804) 518-8880 goradianthome.com

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Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Panel installation
Cleaning and maintenance
Off-grid solar systems
Grid-tied solar system
Consultation
Skilled repairs

Nexus Energy Systems

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10964 Richardson Rd, Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 395-6621 nexussolar.net

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Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Panel installation
Battery storage
Skilled repairs
Tesla powerwall
Cleaning and maintenance

Southern Exposure Solar

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11030 Richardson Rd B21, Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 965-4040 southernexposuresolar.com

Prompt service delivery

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Informative resources

Services Offered

Consultation
Financing assistance
Panel installation
Cleaning and maintenance

Horizon Solar

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2400 Old Brick Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23060 (309) 634-9907 newhorizonsolarsolutions.com

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Services Offered

Panel installation

Shockoe Solar, LLC

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13421 River Ridge Ln, Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9715 shockoesolar.com

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Services Offered

Skilled repairs
Battery storage
Panel installation

Big Boss Solar

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1781 Jamestown Rd #250, Williamsburg, VA 23185 (804) 808-1790 bigbosssolar.com

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Panel installation
Financing assistance

Gault Electric LLC

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806 City Ctr Blvd, Newport News, VA 23606 (757) 220-3300 gaultelectric.com

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Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Free quotes

Services Offered

Financing assistance
Cleaning and maintenance
Skilled repairs
Panel installation

Shockoe Solar, LLC

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13421 River Ridge Ln, Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9715 shockoesolar.com

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Services Offered

Battery storage
Panel installation
Skilled repairs
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

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 crucial factors to consider when deciding if a solar installer is trustworthy.

Check Licensing

It's important to hire a licensed solar installer. This helps ensure that the work is done properly using current installation best practices. Since 2012, Virginia's Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation has issued Alternative Energy Systems (AES) licenses to contractors who install solar PV systems. A contractor with an AES license may need to subcontract plumbing, HVAC or electrical work.

Read Customer Reviews

Check review sites like Google Reviews, TrustPilot, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see customer feedback about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a company's dependability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have barely any reviews or mostly negative ones.

Compare Multiple Quotes

Get free, detailed quotes from at least three solar companies. A quote should outline all costs and identify the solar parts included. Comparing several quotes can help you find the most cost-effective option.

Ask About the Warranty

Top-notch solar installations should include strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship warranty covers installation defects, such as cracks in the panels, poor alignment, or poor wiring. A performance warranty guarantees a minimum energy output. Comprehensive warranties show that a solar company believes in its work.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Solar power can help lower your electricity costs over time. When weighing solar panel's cost and value, be sure to weigh these considerations.

  • Look into utility rebates: Some utility companies may provide additional rebates to encourage homeowners to install solar panels. Check the eligibility criteria and rebate amounts offered by your local power company to determine the possible savings.
  • Research federal and state tax credits: A 26% federal tax credit on total solar system costs is available through 2032. Many states offer incentives, too. The credits can lead to substantial savings for solar buyers.
  • Compare system purchase options: Homeowners can pay for solar panels upfront or spread out payments over time with loans or leases. Be sure to confirm key details like annual percentage rate (APR), payment schedule, fees, and what ownership means when financing solar panels.

Cost of Solar Installation in Chester

In Chester, solar panels cost an average of $3,590 per kilowatt, with an average system size of 7.7 kilowatts. The typical Chester homeowner spends $19,466 on their solar array after federal tax refunds. An estimate from a local provider will consider additional information reflecting your desired system's size, panel type, required preliminary work, and capacity. In some cases, homeowners may prefer to lease solar panels to reduce upfront costs.

Chester 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 Chester, VA

A solar photovoltaic (PV) system can generate power to run any electric system or appliance in your home. More specifically, you can install a solar water heating system.

With home solar energy, you can recoup the cost of the system over time, lower your home's carbon footprint, and gain additional energy independence.

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

Your installer can give you an estimate of what your energy bills will look like after you install solar panels. Generally, your energy bills will decrease significantly because you'll be using energy from the sun for free, instead of buying energy from the utility company. The average annual savings in Chester amount to $1,448.

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

The most common types of home solar panels in Chester include thin-film, polycrystalline and monocrystalline. Monocrystalline panels are balanced and efficient, while polycrystalline and thin-film panels pair good performance with greater upfront value. Talk with your local provider about what kinds of solar panels they work with.

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