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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated June 2024
Year after year, more Suffolk homeowners turn to rooftop solar panels to add value to their property and lower their carbon footprint. Going solar helps cut your utility bills and reduce your environmental impact. But you'll want to find a trustworthy installation company first. Luckily, we’ve conducted comprehensive research local solar providers and created a guide to the best solar companies in Suffolk. These trusted providers are smart choices homeowners can depend on.
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
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:
Putting solar panels on your roof could reduce your electricity payments while helping the environment by reducing your carbon footprint through renewable energy use. Key considerations when looking at local solar installers are as follows.
Confirm that your solar installer is properly licensed. This helps ensure that the work is done properly 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 install solar photovoltaic systems. A contractor with an AES license may 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 evaluate a company's dependability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have barely any reviews or mostly negative ones.
Call at least three solar companies for free, itemized quotes. The quotes should describe all costs and list the solar equipment included. Reviewing multiple quotes helps you find the option that aligns with your budget.
Quality solar installations should come with 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 warranty ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong guarantees demonstrate a company's confidence in its work.
Going solar can help reduce your electric bills over time. When weighing the total price and value of solar panels, be sure to consider these factors.
In Suffolk, solar panels cost an average of $3,590 per kilowatt, with an average system size of 7.6 kilowatts. The typical Suffolk homeowner spends $19,006 on their solar array after federal tax refunds. An estimate from a local provider will consider additional information reflecting your desired system's size, panel type, capacity, and required preliminary work. 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) array can generate power to run any electric appliance or system in your home. More specifically, you can install a solar water heating system.
With home solar panels, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your home's carbon footprint, and gain additional energy independence.
It depends on your home's location 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 hit 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.
The specific types of maintenance you need will depend on the type of panels you're using. Regardless of type, you should clean your panels regularly and inspect them for damage. Many solar contractors in the Suffolk area offer comprehensive maintenance plans to help you keep your panels healthy and make the most of your system.
While solar energy is an ideal option for many, it might not be ideal for homeowners in wet, dark areas. In these cases, a contractor might recommend other forms of renewable energy, such as wind or geothermal power, as a primary source. It is also important to speak to a qualified installer to determine if their solar system is compatible with the climate and environment of your area. Even if you choose a different form of renewable energy altogether, you'll still lower your emissions and could still qualify for distributed generation or other money-saving programs.
When it comes to taxes, the federal government offers a tax credit of up to 30% of the panels' cost. Depending on where you live, you could also claim or apply for state or property tax incentives. For insurance, your monthly premium may be slightly higher because solar panels increase your property's value. You should speak with your accountant or insurance agent for information specific to your case.