Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Year after year, more Suffolk homeowners turn to rooftop solar panels to add value to their property and lower their carbon footprint. Making the switch to solar power helps cut your utility bills and shrink your environmental impact. But you'll want to find a reputable installation company first. Luckily, we've reviewed the options and assembled a guide to the best and most reputable solar installation companies in Suffolk.
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
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:
Adopting solar power lets homeowners lower utility bills while benefiting the planet 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 imperative that your solar installer has the proper licensing. This help guarantee that the work is done properly using current installation best practices. Since 2012, the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation has issued Alternative Energy Systems (AES) licenses to contractors who install solar photovoltaic systems. Even if a contractor has an AES license, they may still need to subcontract HVAC, electrical or plumbing work.
Check TrustPilot, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to see what past customers have to say about local solar providers. Detailed reviews on these platforms can help you assess a provider's integrity and customer service. Be wary of companies with few or mainly poor reviews.
Call 3–5 solar companies for free, itemized quotes. A quote should outline all costs and list the solar equipment included. Reviewing multiple quotes helps identify the option that aligns with your budget.
Quality solar installations should include strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship warranty addresses any installation defects (such as poor wiring, poor alignment, or cracks in the panels), while a performance guarantee ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong guarantees show that a company is confident in its work.
Solar panels can help reduce your electricity costs long-term. When weighing solar panel's cost and value, be sure to weigh these considerations.
Suffolk homeowners typically spend about $19,006 on home solar systems after federal tax refunds. Solar arrays in Suffolk cost roughly $3,590 per kilowatt, with the average residential solar system being 7.6 kilowatts. A personalized estimate from a local solar provider will include costs for permit fees, preliminary work, and labor, and will account for your system's capacity, size, and panel type. Some homeowners prefer to lease 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) array can generate power to run any electric system or appliance in your home. A more specific example is installing a solar heating system for your water.
There are a number of benefits to home solar energy. You can qualify for tax benefits, reduce emissions, and raise your property values. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also offer you further energy independence and offer some protection from power outages.
It depends on where you live and the kind of panels you plan to use. With the winter months in Virginia being very mild, you have a lengthy window to install your panels, though they won't reach peak performance until summer arrives.
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 Suffolk, the average amount someone can save is $1,425 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system when your payback period is done.
Your recommended maintenance will vary based on the type of solar panels you have. With any system, you should clean and inspect each panel once per season. Your solar installation company might offer comprehensive plans where they'll do the maintenance on your behalf.
While solar energy might not be the best option for some in dark or wet 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.
