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Blue Raven was the most popular solar company among respondents in Virginia, according to our 2023 survey. Get a quote on your own solar system installation today.
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According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Virginia is among the top 10 states in the nation for solar power adoption. Our research shows the best solar companies in Virginia include Blue Raven Solar, SunPower and Freedom Solar all of which offer top-quality equipment, solid warranties and multiple payment options.
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At $2.85 per watt, the average cost of solar panels in Virginia is the same as the national average. So, a standard 8 kilowatt (kW) solar panel system would cost about $22,800 before any incentives apply. Below is a table that shows the average pricing of our picks for Virginia’s best solar installation companies.
| Company | Star Rating | 8 kW System Cost* | BBB Rating | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20,000–$22,500 | A | GET QUOTE | ||
| $25,000–$27,500 | A+ | GET QUOTE | ||
| $20,000–$25,000 | A+ | GET QUOTE | ||
| $24,000–$36,000 | A+ | GET QUOTE | ||
| $25,000–$30,000 | A+ | GET QUOTE | ||
| $20,000–$25,000 | A- | GET QUOTE |
| Company | BBB Rating | Star Rating | 8 kW System Cost* | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | $20,000–$22,500 | GET QUOTE | ||
| A+ | $25,000–$27,500 | GET QUOTE | ||
| A+ | $20,000–$25,000 | GET QUOTE | ||
| A+ | $24,000–$36,000 | GET QUOTE | ||
| A+ | $25,000–$30,000 | GET QUOTE | ||
| A- | $20,000–$25,000 | GET QUOTE |
*Pricing is based on responses to two surveys we conducted in 2023 of 2,000 total homeowners with 8 kW solar systems and information obtained directly from SunPower. Your cost may vary.
With a total of 220 solar companies operating in the state, choosing an installer in Virginia can feel overwhelming and time-consuming. Homeowners may find it easier to pick a company by focusing on the following factors:
The cost of going solar in Virginia can vary widely. Research by the Chesapeake Bay Group showed that solar pricing in the state can vary from $2.10 per watt to $5.62 per watt. Additionally, data we obtained from SunPower suggests it costs $2.85 per watt on average. To ensure you receive a fair deal, it is important to look at the price offered by an installer compared to the state average.
Virginia receives average amounts of sunshine throughout the year, meaning homeowners cannot generate large amounts of power from lower-quality solar equipment. High-performance equipment can provide greater energy savings and a faster payback while lasting longer. When speaking to an installer, review the available equipment brands, models, specifications and warranties.
With the rapid growth of the solar sector in Virginia, a few questionable companies have also entered the market. When going solar, it is essential to check a company’s trustworthiness and reputation to ensure adequate support before, during and after system installation. Homeowners can check an installer’s online reviews and BBB rating to learn more about its quality of support.
As in other states, there are multiple benefits to installing solar power in Virginia.
Virginia has enough solar potential and solar-friendly policies to make renewable energy worth the price. However, the state’s monopolized utility companies can sometimes create hurdles for residents wanting to go solar. For instance, Dominion Energy recently proposed a set of complex rules for solar interconnection that may deter people from switching to solar. An advocacy group, Distributed Solar Alliance, has already filed a petition against the rules.
Also, Dominion sets overly expensive monthly fees for solar systems on multi-residential buildings.
Virginia does not compete with California or Texas for solar power capacity, but the state’s growth chart has been impressive. The SEIA predicts Virginia’s solar capacity will grow more than 7 gigawatts (GW) in the next five years, enough to power about a million homes.
Virginia’s solar industry received a major boost with 2020’s Virginia Clean Economy Act, which requires utilities to generate 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050. As a result, Virginia’s utilities must offer solar-friendly policies and incentives, a benefit for homeowners looking to make the most of the state’s sunshine conditions.
The state also offers an attractive net metering program and has set up the Virginia Solar Energy Development and Energy Storage Authority to facilitate, coordinate and support the development of solar and battery technology.
Virginia may not have the most robust solar incentives and rebates in the country, but homeowners going solar can still benefit from a few valuable federal and state incentives. Here is an overview of the state’s available incentives.
Virginia homeowners are eligible for the federal solar tax credit. Officially known as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), the program allows you to claim 30% of your system’s total cost as a tax credit towards your federal income tax burden. In other words, it has the net effect of reducing your expenditure on solar by 30%, improving your overall savings and payback period. In Virginia, an 8 kW system costs $22,800 on average, which means the tax credit can save homeowners over $6,800.
Besides the federal tax credit, Virginians can also benefit from the following state-based solar incentives.
| Incentive | Savings | Explanation |
| Property tax exemption | Savings will vary | Homeowners who install solar panels will not have to pay any additional taxes if their property’s value increases as a result. |
| Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SREC) | Savings will vary | Solar panel owners can receive one SREC for every 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWH) of energy generated and sell SRECs at the ongoing market rate. |
| Virginia net metering | Savings will vary | Solar panel owners can send excess solar energy back into the grid in exchange for energy credits to purchase grid energy. |
Yes, based on our research, we think going solar is worth it in Virginia. The state’s decent amount of sunlight, solar-friendly policies and moderate solar pricing can help homeowners save money on installation and power bills. Moreover, solar is clean energy that also reduces the carbon footprint of your home.
Virginia’s average solar cost is $2.85 per watt, which is similar to the national average. Using this value, an 8 kW solar project would cost $22,800 before applying any incentives.
Governing authorities and utility companies in Virginia do not offer free solar panels. Generally, residents can buy, finance or lease solar energy systems from installers. Some installers label solar leases as “free solar,” because ownership of the system remains with the installer. Homeowners should be wary of misleading marketing and understand the pros and cons of each payment method before making a decision.
Since every homeowner has unique solar needs, it is difficult to label a single installer in Virginia as the best. Our top picks for Virginia solar companies are SunPower, Sunrun, Freedom Solar and Blue Raven. But other prominent installers in the state include Nova Solar, Commonwealth Solar and Lumina Solar.
