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Best Solar Companies in Richmond, Virginia

We compared 11 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Top overall
      Blue Raven Solar
      4.7(263)
    • Free quotes
      ION Solar
      4.4(114)
    • DIY projects
      ShopSolar
      4.7(157)

    Top Picks

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      Best Solar Companies in Richmond, Virginia

      Our top solar company picks for Richmond

      1. Best overall: Blue Raven Solar
      2. Our pick for free quotes: ION Solar
      3. Great for DIY projects: ShopSolar

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

      Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
      • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
      • 4,571,386 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
      • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
      • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
      • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

      The best Richmond solar companies

      Solar can be a big investment. Our goal is to highlight companies best equipped to meet most Richmonders’ energy needs.

      Blue Raven Solar

      4.7
      263 reviews
      Buyer's Choice Award Winner
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Panel warranty
      25 years
      Payment options
      Cash, loan, lease, PPA
      Year founded
      2014
      1x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best for Installation

      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.

      • “The installation of equipment was completed. The technician was very thorough in their work. They explain what they were going to do. The following was done: 1.) They rope off the area. 2.) Installed the outside panel. 3.) Insert all the solar panels up with the responders on the back. 4.) Install brackets on roof. 5.) Ran lines from roof to panels. 6.) Cross connect solar to Dominion panel box. The technician cleaned up equipment from the inside and outside of the home. They cleaned up all the rubbish and trash in the yard.” — Sharon in Henrico

      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, from reviewers.

      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
      Our pick for free quotes

      ION Solar

      4.4
      114 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      21.9%
      Panel warranty
      30 years
      Payment options
      Cash, loan
      Year founded
      2013

      ION Solar offers multiple solar options suitable for different needs and budgets. From helpful sales reps to knowledgeable installers, the company really stands out for its strong customer service. We suggest getting a personalized quote to see if ION Solar is a good fit for you.

      • “ION Solar's team was polite and kind. A gentleman walked to my door. He was polite and professional, and he did his best. He's at a very young age. I told him, ‘No matter what I was gonna do, whatever the project you have, I will take it.’ He said, ‘It's solar.’ The idea was good. The next day, he made the appointment with the sales rep to come to my home. Everything was cool. … Financially, it's the same cost. I'm not getting a big difference financially. But it's divided to two places between the loan of the solar and the electricity. But for the long run, it's good. I'm extremely happy.” — Mohammad in Richmond

      Joseph in Williamsburg believes that the ION Solar reps use “dishonest and pressure-oriented sales techniques,” which is a common theme in sketchy solar company reviews. We also think ION Solar could be a little more transparent about its financing options and additional services provided.

      ION Solar’s NABCEP-certified installers use Silfab solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and Enphase microinverters. Most projects are completed in 60 to 90 days.

      • Energy services: Reps coordinate solar system designs and installations as well as roofing services if needed. Energy production monitoring and ongoing system maintenance are available after the installation is complete.
      • Warranty information: All work performed during the installation is covered for 10 years. Panels are guaranteed to produce at least 85% capacity for 30 years. Enphase microinverters come with a 25-year warranty.
      • Payment options: You can purchase or finance the system through a solar loan. Rates and terms vary.

      Pros

      • No upfront payment required
      • 24/7 monitoring
      • Good customer service
      • Solid warranty

      Cons

      • Some communication issues
      • Occasional installation delays

      ShopSolar

      4.7
      157 reviews
      Buyer's Choice Award Winner
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Panel warranty
      Varies
      Payment options
      Cash, loan
      Year founded
      2018
      1x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service

      ShopSolar has a nice selection of equipment and fast deliveries. You can find new and used solar panels, storage batteries, inverters and everything else for an off-grid or hybrid setup.

      • “I wanted something that I could run the shed on and not have to worry about grid power. The prices I saw with ShopSolar were good. The system works great.” — William in Disputanta
      • “I initially did solar as an alternative to a propane generator, and for the most part, my experience with ShopSolar has been good. They were a bit slow in getting me the 15 kW generator. … I power my refrigerators, and my freezer with it. I have not set up all my solar panels yet, but hopefully, this fall, we'll get it all together and 80% of the time, it won't be on the grid.” — James in Spotsylvania

      Some customers have told us about problems with damaged equipment. On the bright side, reps try to quickly resolve these issues with refunds or replacements.

      » DIY SOLAR PANELS: Pros, cons and installation guide

      ShopSolar is an online retailer that stocks brands like Panasonic, REC, Renogy, Canadian Solar and EcoFlow. Orders typically arrive within 10 business days.

      • Energy services: Reps can help you design a custom solar system based on your specific energy requirements. They don't offer direct installation services, but online tutorials and video guides are available.
      • Warranty information: ShopSolar is an authorized distributor of the brands it sells, so all solar equipment is covered by individual manufacturers’ warranties.
      • Payment options: ShopSolar accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, Shop Pay and Diners Club International. It also partners with Affirm to offer financing options.

      Pros

      • Great for RVs and outbuildings
      • Price-match guarantee
      • 30-day return policy
      • Lifetime customer support

      Cons

      • Some shipping and delivery delays
      • Occasional issues with defective or damaged products

      How we chose the best solar companies in Richmond

      We took a data-driven approach, informed by expert editors and considering the humid subtropical climate, to choose the best solar companies in Richmond, Virginia, based on the following key features and respective weightings:

      • Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
      • Warranty terms: 20%
      • Equipment selection: 20%
      • Financing and payment options: 20%

      » MORE: Full methodology

      Richmond solar panel buyers guide

      We’ve talked to dozens of Virginians who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what Richmond residents should look out 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 $30,441 in Richmond.

      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 Richmond may falsely claim to be affiliated with a Henrico and Chesterfield counties or Virginia government agency.

      Jump to insight

      Solar panel costs in Richmond

      A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $10,045 to $28,700 in Virginia. Prices in Richmond are comparable, ranging from $9,730 to $27,800.

      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 Richmond’s net metering program.

      System size is the other major solar cost factor. The average Richmond 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.

      Average total solar installation costs by system size in Richmond

      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: Lease vs. buy

      Is solar worth it in Richmond?

      Solar panels are generally worth it in Virginia if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, Richmond 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 10.5 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 worth considering. 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. This is an expensive and frustrating process.

      » SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

      How to find a reputable solar company in Richmond

      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.

      » TIPS: Get the best solar quotes

      Going solar in Henrico and Chesterfield counties

      Think of going solar in terms of your monthly costs. Given rising energy costs, financing solar panels makes sense as long as your monthly loan payment is less than what you would be paying the utility company anyway.

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

      Residential solar panel incentives in Richmond

      The 30% federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is still the best incentive for most homeowners. It reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels. You can combine the ITC with local solar incentives in Virginia to maximize savings.

      For instance, Richmond's solar property tax exemption means that — for tax purposes — the addition of a solar energy system won't cause an increase in your property's assessed value. Essentially, your property tax bill won't go up because your solar panels increase your home’s market value.

      Richmond solar FAQ

      How does the federal solar tax credit work?

      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.

      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.

      Do I need any permits to install solar panels in Richmond?

      Yes, you or your installer will have to apply for a permit through the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.

      Can my HOA stop me from getting solar panels?

      No. Your homeowners association can't stop you from installing solar panels, per Virginia law.

      » GREENEST STATES: Virginia ranked 22nd in 2024

      How does net metering work in Richmond?

      Net metering lets you send excess power that your solar panels generate into your local power grid. In return, you can earn credits on future utility bills. These credits can then offset your bill when your solar panels don't produce as much energy, like on cloudy days or during Richmond’s long, dark winters.

      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 the solar panels you buy 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 Richmond?

      We’re not aware of a totally free solar option in Richmond. Companies may claim you can get solar panels for "free" or with little to no upfront cost. In reality, solar panels rarely come entirely free. These offers often involve hidden fees, long-term leases with escalating payments.

      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. Dominion Energy recently launched its PPA pilot program.

      Methodology: How we chose the best solar companies in Richmond

      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 Richmond, 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 Richmond 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. ION Solar
      3. ShopSolar

      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 Richmond, 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, "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 Consumer Advice, "Solar Power for Your Home." Accessed Sept. 19, 2024.
        7. Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, "Programs and Financial Incentives." Accessed Nov. 20, 2024.

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