Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Every year, more Sterling homeowners turn to rooftop solar panels to add value to their property and provide a dependable source of power. Going solar can help cut your utility bills and reduce your environmental impact. But you'll want to find a reputable installation company first. Luckily, we’ve analyzed local solar providers and created a guide to the best solar companies in Sterling. These reputable providers are smart choices homeowners can depend on.
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
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:
Adopting solar power lets homeowners lower utility bills while helping the environment by reducing your carbon footprint using clean energy. If you’re determining whether to go solar, consider these key factors for choosing an installer.
It's important to hire a licensed solar installer. This help guarantee that the work is done correctly using current installation best practices. Since 2012, the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation has issued Alternative Energy Systems (AES) licenses to contractors working on solar photovoltaic systems. A contractor with an AES license may need to subcontract electrical, plumbing or HVAC work.
Look at review platforms such as Google Reviews, TrustPilot, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to find out what previous customers have to say about local solar companies. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s trustworthiness and customer service. Be wary of companies with no reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.
Contact at least three solar companies to receive free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly outline all costs and specify the exact solar components included. Comparing multiple quotes helps identify the most cost-effective option for you.
Quality solar installations should come with strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship warranty covers any installation defects (such as poor alignment, poor wiring, or cracks in the panels), while a performance guarantee ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong warranties demonstrate a company's confidence in its work.
Solar is great for helping you lower electricity bills over time. Make sure you consider these aspects when considering the final cost and value of solar panels.
In Sterling, solar panels cost an average of $3,590 per kilowatt, with an average system size of 8.1 kilowatts. The typical Sterling homeowner spends $20,419 on their solar array after federal tax refunds. An estimate from a local provider will consider additional information reflecting your desired system's capacity, panel type, required preliminary work, and size. 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. More specifically, you can install a solar heating system for your water.
There are a number of benefits to home solar energy. You can save money, raise your property values, and qualify for tax benefits. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also provide you with further energy independence and offer some protection from power outages.
Yes, you can use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In most parts of the country, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, which means you can reap the environmental benefits and savings of solar energy without having to completely switch over.
You might be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you can get a return on investment from your solar panels. The sun shines frequently in Sterling, meaning your payback period could last 14.0 years per 5 kW of capacity on the high end.
Net metering is a power purchasing policy that allows solar energy system owners to get paid 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.
While solar energy might not be the best performing choice for some in wet or dark areas, the latest generation of equipment and energy storage systems could boost your property's solar viability enough where you could achieve a return on investment. A contractor could also recommend a different primary source of renewable energy like wind or geothermal to boost your generation.
Yes, solar panels can still generate energy during a grid outage. To ensure that your solar system will keep working during a power outage, make sure to choose a quality solar provider that offers battery backup systems or emergency generators.
