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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated June 2024
A rooftop solar array could give you a renewable power source that will pay for itself in time. Transitioning to solar energy can reduce your monthly energy expenses and decrease your carbon output. Before you get started, you want to make sure you find a reputable installer. That’s why, after conducting thorough research on providers, we assembled a guide to the most trusted solar companies in Roanoke. These providers have a reputation for dependable quality service.
Our Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quotes
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
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:
Installing solar panels can reduce your electricity costs and benefit the planet by reducing your carbon footprint. When determining whether a solar provider is the best option for you, consider these key factors.
Make sure you hire a licensed solar installer. This helps ensure 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 photovoltaic systems. Even if a contractor has an AES license, they may still need to subcontract electrical, HVAC or plumbing work.
Check review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, and Google Reviews to see feedback from past customers on local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you assess a company's dependability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have no reviews or mostly negative ones.
Contact 3–5 solar companies to receive free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly outline all costs and list the exact solar components included. Comparing multiple quotes helps identify the most cost-effective option for you.
Top-notch solar installations should come with strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship guarantee covers installation defects, such as poor wiring, cracks in the panels, or poor alignment. A performance guarantee ensures a minimum energy output. Comprehensive guarantees show that a solar company believes in its work.
Going solar can help decrease your energy expenses over time. Be sure to weigh these aspects when judging the cost and value of solar panels.
The cost of solar panels varies based on system capacity and the technology used. The average solar system in Roanoke has a capacity of 7.7 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area should expect to pay around $3,590 per kilowatt; the average Roanoke homeowners spends about $19,460 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 panel type, size, and capacity of the planned system, and should include fees for preliminary work, labor, and permit fees.
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 system or appliance in your home. More specifically, you can install a solar heating system for your water.
With home solar energy, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your property's emissions, and gain additional energy independence.
It depends on your home's location and what type of panels you're installing. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in Roanoke, 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 many areas, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, so you can reap the savings and environmental benefits of solar energy without having to completely switch over.
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. Many solar contractors in the Roanoke area offer comprehensive maintenance plans to help you keep your panels healthy and make the most of your system.
Net metering is a type of "power purchase agreement." If your utility or state 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.
The best type of residential solar panel depends on your specific needs and goals. Generally speaking, monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient for homes in Roanoke. However, if lowering cost is your top priority, then you could polycrystalline or thin-film solar panels. When selecting a solar company, make sure to ask about the different types of solar panels a contractor offers and the benefits and drawbacks of each.