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Last Updated: February 25, 2025
Rooftop solar is one of the most easily accessible forms of renewable energy for McLean homeowners. Making the switch to solar power allows you to cut your utility bills and shrink your environmental impact. But you'll want to find a qualified installation company first. Luckily, we’ve analyzed local solar installers and created a guide to the best solar companies in McLean. These trusted providers are smart choices homeowners can depend on.
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Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
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Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Free quotes
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Informative resources
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 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 reliable.
Hiring a licensed solar installer is critical. This help guarantee that the work is done correctly using current best installation practices. Since 2012, the Virginia 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 plumbing, electrical or HVAC work.
Check review sites like TrustPilot, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see customer feedback about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a company's reliability and customer service. Use caution with providers that have very few reviews or mostly negative ones.
Get free, detailed quotes from three to five solar companies. The quotes should outline all costs and identify the solar parts included. Comparing several quotes can help you find the best value for your budget.
Top-notch solar installations should come with strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship warranty covers installation defects, such as poor alignment, poor wiring, or cracks in the panels. A performance warranty ensures a minimum energy output. Comprehensive warranties indicate that a solar company believes in its work.
Solar energy can help lower your electric bills over time. When considering the total price and value of solar panels, make sure to consider these factors.
In McLean, solar panels cost an average of $3,590 per kilowatt, with an average system size of 8.1 kilowatts. The typical McLean homeowner spends $20,263 on their solar array after federal tax refunds. An estimate from a local provider will consider additional information reflecting your desired system's size, capacity, required preliminary work, and panel type. In some cases, homeowners may prefer leasing solar panels to reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Deduction
Incentive Amount:
20% of the sales tax paid by an individual
A solar photovoltaic (PV) system can generate power to run any electric appliance or system in your home. A more specific example is installing a solar water heating system.
With home solar PV, 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 your home's location and the kind of panels you plan to use. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in McLean, your best time to get solar is in the spring and fall.
Absolutely. The grid in McLean 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.
Your payback period is the time to earn a net profit from your solar panels. It will vary based on the average sunlight in your area, their rated capacity, and the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power. McLean gets quite a bit of sunlight per day, so an average payback period could last up to 14.0 years per 5 kW of capacity.
Net metering is a type of "power purchase agreement." If your state or utility offers net metering, you can sell the solar energy you don't use to your provider. In return, they'll give you a credit on your power bill.
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 let your insurer know 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 energy is on par with other forms of renewable energy. They have low maintenance costs and today's systems can work in a variety of conditions.
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