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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated June 2024
Rooftop solar energy is becoming increasingly popular for Pulaski homeowners. A new solar energy system can help you provide a dependable source of power, decrease your carbon footprint, and add value to your property. Solar power can reduce your energy costs and lower your carbon footprint. However, it's important to select a qualified solar installer. Luckily, we’ve conducted comprehensive research local solar providers and put together a guide to the best solar companies in Pulaski. These reputable providers are reliable options known for their quality services.
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
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 reduce 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.
Hiring a licensed solar installer is critical. This ensures that the work is done properly using current best installation practices. Since 2012, Virginia's Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation has issued Alternative Energy Systems (AES) licenses to contractors working on solar PV systems. A contractor with an AES license may need to subcontract electrical, HVAC or plumbing work.
Look at review platforms such as Google Reviews, TrustPilot, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to find out what previous customers say about local solar companies. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s trustworthiness and customer service. Be cautious of companies lacking reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.
Get free, detailed quotes from three to five solar companies. The quotes should describe all costs and identify the exact solar parts included. Comparing several quotes can help you find the option that best fits your budget.
Quality solar installations should have strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship warranty covers any installation defects (such as poor wiring, cracks in the panels, or poor alignment), while a performance guarantee ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong warranties demonstrate a company's confidence in its work.
Solar energy can help lower your electricity costs in the long run. When evaluating solar panel's cost and value, be sure to factor in these considerations.
Solar panel costs vary based on system capacity and the solar technology used. The typical Pulaski solar array has a capacity of 7.9 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area should expect to pay around $3,590 per kilowatt; the average Pulaski homeowners spends about $19,869 on a new solar system after accounting for federal tax breaks. (Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to reduce their upfront costs.) A personalized quote from a local solar company will account for things like the size, capacity, and panel type 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
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) system can be used to power any household system or appliance that uses electricity. In the simplest case, you can use a solar water heater.
With home solar PV, you can recoup the cost of the system over time, 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 what type of panels you're installing. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in Pulaski, your best time to get solar is in the spring and fall.
Generally speaking, your energy bills will significantly decrease 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 Pulaski, the average amount someone can save is $1,438 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system once the payback period passes.
Your payback period is the time to earn a net profit from your solar panels. It will vary based on their rated capacity, the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power, and the average sunlight in your area. Pulaski gets quite a bit of sunlight per day, so an average payback period could last up to 13.8 years per 5 kW of capacity.
The specific required maintenance steps will vary based on the type of solar panels you have. With any system, you should clean and inspect each panel once a quarter. Your solar installer might offer comprehensive plans where they'll do the maintenance on your behalf.
Net metering is a power purchasing policy that allows solar energy system owners to receive compensation for the amount of energy they put back into the grid. It's available in most states and is a great way to reduce energy costs.
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 notify your insurer 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.