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Best Solar Companies in Norfolk, VA

We compared 28 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Top overall
      Blue Raven Solar
      4.6(265)
    • Good customer service
      Freedom Solar Power
      4.4(296)
    • Good value/competitive pricing
      Project Solar
      4.7(78)

    Best Solar Companies in Norfolk, VA

    Author picture
    By: Kathryn Parkman
    +2 more
    Author picture
    Edited by: Cassidy McCants
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    Fact-checked by: Jon Bortin

    Our top 3 solar company picks for Norfolk

    1. Best overall: Blue Raven Solar
    2. Great customer service: Freedom Solar Power
    3. Competitive pricing: Project Solar

    The ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared popular solar companies in Norfolk on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranty terms and other factors. Our picks may be Authorized Partners who compensate us, but this does not affect our evaluations. Read the full methodology for all the details on how ConsumerAffairs makes solar company recommendations.

    2024 Buyers Choice Award Winner
    Blue Raven Solar
    Blue Raven Solar
    4.6
    265 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    Varies
    Panel warranty
    25 years
    Payment options
    Cash, loan, lease, PPA
    Year founded
    2014
    Learn More Read Reviews

    Blue Raven Solar stands out for its exceptional service, equipment and value. We've talked to more than 200 verified customers across the country over a recent two-year period — 94% were satisfied with their installation and setup, and 92% were satisfied with the technology.

    • “I am very much satisfied with my choice of installing solar panels. … They came when they said they would, They answer all my questions and I like the deal they gave me. PS: the panels don't look bad on my house. That's all I have to say.” — William in Norfolk 
    • “The installation was quick and efficient. The installers were polite and informative. They also cleaned up the property afterwards. They were a little late but they made up for it with their efficiency and manners.” — Cesar in Portsmouth

    Blue Raven Solar gets positive feedback from most customers. However, we have heard some complaints about installation issues, including delays in turning on the system. For instance, Angela in Norfolk told us that her first rep was amazing, “but anything after that is all downhill. I spent two months trying to get them to fix holes/leaks in my roof that were not there before I had solar panels installed. I got ghosted and very little communication unless I nagged the person who came to my home.”

    Blue Raven Solar installs solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, storage batteries and microinverters to maximize energy production. It provides free consultations and custom solar panel systems tailored to your home's energy consumption and roof specifications.

    • Energy services: The company handles the entire installation process, from obtaining permits to connecting your system to the grid. Monitoring to track your system's performance and maintenance or repair services are available as needed.
    • Warranty information: All systems have a 25-year panel guarantee and a two-year production guarantee. Storage battery warranties vary by manufacturer.
    • Payment options: You can pay upfront and get immediate ownership of the solar panel system. There’s also a unique in-house payment option with no upfront costs, BluePower Plus+, which combines the best aspects of a solar lease with the flexibility of system ownership.

    Pros

    • Efficient installation process
    • Zero-down financing
    • Production guarantee
    • Excellent customer service

    Cons

    • Occasional installation delays
    • Some complaints about miscommunication
    1x Award Winner
    Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best for Installation
    2024 Buyers Choice Award Winner
    Freedom Solar Power
    Freedom Solar Power
    4.4
    296 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    22.8%
    Panel warranty
    25 years
    Payment options
    Cash, loan
    Year founded
    2007
    Get Started Read Reviews

    We spoke with over 200 Freedom Solar customers nationwide. Over a recent two-year period, 92% were satisfied with the installation and setup, 94% were pleased with the price and 85% were happy with the customer service. People also appreciate the quick installations, and many say the app is helpful for tracking energy production post-installation.

    • “I asked a lot of questions and they answered all of my questions. They did what they said they were gonna do. They left it open for me to ask additional questions after they left. So, it was pretty smooth. Their follow-up was good after the install. So I was satisfied.” — Geraldine in Hampton
    • “Freedom Solar is outstanding. The rep had the best presentation and he knew what he was talking about. The installation process was fairly lengthy but other than that, it was a terrific job. I was very impressed with everyone who showed up during the planning and the installation. I highly recommend them. They're very professional and honest. Compared to other companies who have come to show their product, Freedom was hands down the best.” — James in Hampton 

    Quality comes at a price. Freedom Solar might not be the cheapest option, but many customers believe it's worth the investment.

    Freedom Solar Power installs American-designed solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and offers two reliable backup battery options, the Tesla Powerwall and the SunPower SunVault.

    • Energy services: Freedom Solar designs and installs custom solar panel systems for homes, handling everything from site assessment and permitting to installation and activation. It offers various battery storage options, system maintenance and repairs to help homeowners optimize energy generation.
    • Warranty information: Freedom Solar Power offers a 25-year lifetime warranty on equipment and installations. System performance is guaranteed to remain between 84% and 92% of the original production for 25 years.
    • Payment options: You can pay upfront or secure a loan through one of its financing partners. Freedom does not currently offer solar leases.

    Pros

    • Excellent customer service
    • 24/7 performance monitoring
    • Transferable warranty
    • In-house, NABCEP-certified installers

    Cons

    • Somewhat limited availability
    • No in-house financing
    2x Award Winner
    Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service and Best for Installation
    Our pick for good value / competitive pricing
    Project Solar
    Project Solar
    4.7
    78 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    20.9%
    Panel warranty
    25 years
    Payment options
    Cash, loan
    Year founded
    2016
    Read Reviews

    We’ve talked to more than 50 Project Solar customers from across the country. Over a recent two-year period, 94% were satisfied with the price. Satisfaction ratings on customer service and technology were also above industry averages.

    Project Solar reps focus on simple, streamlined installations. The no-sales-gimmicks approach appeals to more budget-conscious clients who want either professional services or do-it-yourself options. We also appreciate the price transparency. Full-service installations start at $1.61 per watt. DIY projects are cheaper, starting at $1.26 per watt.

    • “Project Solar engineers the system and have it delivered, then you install it yourself and it saves a lot of money. … So far, everything works as it should. They use Enphase inverters, I can use the Enphase app, and it's connected via Wi-Fi. I wish it was a slightly bigger system, but that's a limitation of what we could get a permit for. Since I got the system, I didn't pay any electric bill at all for a year and a half until I added an electric car. Now I pay a bill again, but it's a lot less than it could be. Aside from I pay less money, I feel better about the environment.” — Dave in Chesapeake

    The installation process is generally smooth and professional, but we have heard about some delays due to material shortages or supply chain issues.

    Project Solar specializes in professional and DIY solar photovoltaic (PV) panel installations. Systems incorporate equipment from reputable brands like Qcells, Canadian Solar, Jinko and Enphase.

    • Energy services: Reps can handle the necessary paperwork, engineering plans and permit submissions for the installation. You can get a free online quote and explore sizing options for their homes.
    • Warranty information: There is a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty and a 10-year workmanship warranty. Both are limited and have exclusions like weather damage or misuse.
    • Payment options: Project Solar partners with a few lenders to offer financing solutions for professional solar installations. DIY customers can pay cash or finance through a third-party lender.

    Pros

    • Easy sign-up process
    • High-quality equipment
    • Great value

    Cons

    • Occasional miscommunications
    • Subcontracted installers
    • No in-house financing

    Solar Companies in Norfolk Buyers guide

    Jump into our guides and start learning

    In this guide

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

    Blue Raven Solar logo
    Freedom Solar Power logo
    Project Solar logo
    See our top picks

    Simplify your search

    Switch to solar with a system built for you.

      Norfolk solar panel buyers guide

      We’ve talked to dozens of Virginians who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what Norfolk residents should look for when choosing a solar panel installation company. We’ll also touch on overall costs and ways to save with government incentives.

      Key insights

      A typical residential solar panel installation costs $32,412 in Norfolk.

      Jump to insight

      Solar loans, leases and other programs make it easy to go solar with minimal upfront costs.

      Jump to insight

      Solar scammers in Norfolk may falsely claim to be affiliated with a Norfolk County or Virginia government agency.

      Jump to insight

      Solar panel costs in Norfolk

      A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $10,045 to $28,700 in Virginia. Prices in Norfolk are comparable, ranging from $10,360 to $29,600.

      This doesn’t include an energy storage battery, which sometimes costs as much as the panels: $7,000 to $18,000. A battery lets you store excess energy generated during the day and use it when your panels aren’t producing, like at night or during outages. It’s worth considering if your area gets frequent blackouts or if you don’t opt into Norfolk’s net metering program. System size is the other major solar cost factor.

      Average total solar installation costs by system size in Norfolk

      How can I pay for solar panels?

      Getting solar panels is like buying a car. Most people pay cash, finance or lease. Similar to leasing, a power purchase agreement (PPA) lets you get the benefits of solar without actually owning the equipment.

      • Solar loans work like any other type of loan. They have relatively low fixed interest rates. Once you pay it off, you own your system outright.
      • Solar leases are a good option if you have limited savings and don’t want to take on debt. A potential downside to leasing is that you won’t be eligible for the federal solar tax credit.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Buy vs. lease

      Is solar worth it in Norfolk?

      Solar panels are generally worth it in Virginia if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, Norfolk homeowners with solar panels can avoid $60,802 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 10.4 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

      Considering Virginia averages 3.5 to 4 peak sun hours each day, switching to solar is also worth considering for the environmental benefits. We suggest using NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house. Project Sunroof is a reliable online solar savings estimator.

      Potential roof problems

      As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels again. This is an expensive and frustrating process.

      » SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

      How to find a reputable solar company in Norfolk

      In our experience, the best solar companies in Virginia have a few things in common: lots of experience, reliable equipment and transparent contracts. Here are some hiring tips.

      Going solar in Norfolk County

      Homeowners in low-lying areas should consider elevated solar installations to mitigate risks from flooding and storm surges.

      » BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: Virginia ranked 22nd in 2024

      Residential solar panel incentives in Norfolk

      The 30% federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is the best incentive for most Norfolk homeowners. It reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels.

      Don’t get confused: The ITC is a credit, meaning it directly decreases the amount of taxes you owe. This is different from a deduction, which lowers your taxable income.

      The ITC drops to 26% in 2033 and then 22% in 2034.

      For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $5,000 in taxes, the $3,000 credit reduces what you owe to $2,000. Any unused portion rolls over to the next tax year. However, it’s possible to get a refund check if the ITC credit reduces your taxes to the point where you overpaid during the year.

      You can combine the ITC with local solar incentives in Virginia to maximize savings, including grants, rebates and tax deductions.

      Norfolk solar FAQ

      How do I know what size solar system I need?

      The average Norfolk household needs a system with a capacity of 10.95 kW (kilowatt) to fully offset their electricity costs. Depending on how much energy you and your family use, you might need a smaller or larger one.

      Do I need approval from my HOA to install solar panels?

      Virginia’s laws protect homeowners' rights to install solar, but HOA restrictions may still apply in some neighborhoods.

      » GREENEST STATES: Virginia ranked 22nd in 2024

      What are the different types of solar panels?

      Monocrystalline and polycrystalline are the most common types of solar panels used in residential installations. In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best bang for your buck. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline. The key difference is in materials and efficiency: Monocrystalline panels use pure, single silicon crystals, while polycrystalline panels are made from melted silicon fragments, resulting in different efficiency levels.

      Solar panel efficiency is a measure of how well a panel makes electricity. Standard efficiency rates range from 19% to 23%, which means 19% to 23% of the sunlight that hits the panels gets converted into electricity. The more efficient your solar panels are, the fewer panels you need. While more efficient panels cost a little more, you save by buying fewer panels.

      Can I get solar panels for free in Norfolk?

      We’re not aware of a totally free solar option in Norfolk. You can lease or enter a power purchase agreement with minimal upfront costs, but there is usually an ongoing monthly fee. In general, beware of deals that sound too good to be true.

      How does a power purchase agreement work?

      A third party installs and maintains solar panels on your property. You buy the power generated by the panels on a per kilowatt-hour (kWh) basis. It’s typically a fixed price, with a cheaper cents/kWh rate than traditional utilities have for the same amount of electricity.

      Methodology: How we chose the best solar companies in Norfolk

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a research-backed, data-driven approach, which was informed by our expert editors, to choose the best solar companies. We prefer to recommend those with a longer time in business and a solid track record of reliability in Norfolk, Virginia. For this guide, we objectively weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

      Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%

      We analyzed solar company reviews by verified solar customers to gauge real-world satisfaction. Companies with generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect. Those with the most 4- and 5-star reviews by verified Norfolk customers were given preference.

      Warranties: 20%

      A long warranty is important — it shows that a company stands behind its products and services. We compared companies on both equipment and craftsmanship warranty terms. All of our top picks for professional installation have warranties or production guarantees of at least 10 to 25 years.

      Equipment selection: 20%

      We evaluated each company’s selection of solar panels, storage batteries and inverters. Those with proprietary technology or a wide equipment selection from trusted brands ranked highest.

      Financing and payment options: 20%

      We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.

      ConsumerAffairs Research Team regularly evaluates customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks:

      1. Blue Raven Solar
      2. Freedom Solar Power
      3. Project Solar

      Not sure how to choose?

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        Guide sources

        ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

        1. EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in Norfolk, VA." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        2. SolarReviews, "How much do solar panels cost in Virginia, 2024." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        3. Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), "Virginia Solar." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        4. DSIRE, "Virginia Programs." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        5. EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in Virginia." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        6. Federal Trade Commission, “Solar Power for Your Home.” Accessed Sep. 19, 2024.
        7. Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, “Programs and Financial Incentives.” Accessed Dec. 11, 2024.

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