6 Best Solar Companies in Chesapeake, VA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 6 in Chesapeake based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Chesapeake, VA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Chesapeake homeowner saves $1,587/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Chesapeake
If you’re on the hunt for the best solar companies in Chesapeake, going through hundreds of options can be challenging, but it can pay off since adopting solar energy can offer so many great benefits. Installation costs can be high, but adopting solar will save you money on your utility bills over many years. In fact, you can expect to save about $19,000 over 20 years.
If you’re planning on going solar, the first step you should take is to find the best solar companies in Chesapeake and compare quotes. The good news is we did the hard work and compiled a list of the best solar companies to make your life easier.Interested in seeing how much it’d cost to install solar panels on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a top Chesapeake solar installer.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Chesapeake
Solar Services, Inc.
Free Quotes- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Permit Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
Freedom Solar Power - Virginia Solar Panel Installers
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
- Skilled Repairs
- Tesla Powerwall
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Financing Assistance
Unlimited Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
Gault Electric LLC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Neptune City Solar Panels
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- System Decommissioning
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Skilled Repairs
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
Big Boss Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Chesapeake
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Chesapeake based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Chesapeake
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Virginia solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Chesapeake
Solar panels run off a free energy source — the sun — but before you can take advantage of this you must first pay to set up your panels.The installation cost is just one important factor you should keep in mind when looking into getting solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things including:
- System size and type: Some models are more expensive than others, so the one you want can raise or lower your initial investment. Plus, the more solar panels you need, the more it'll cost.
- Your energy consumption: If your household uses a lot of energy, you'll benefit more from switching to solar.
- Incentives: Those who buy and install a solar system this year can save 0 of their solar installation costs by using the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $19,000 on your electricity bills over 20 years excluding incentives.
- How much sunlight your roof gets: This, and how your roof is set up, affects affect how much energy your solar panels can produce.
There are several wonderful benefits of solar despite the upfront cost of installation. It can help the planet and your finances. Additionally, it can raise the value of your home, leading to even more benefits if you choose to sell your home later.
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Solar Incentives in Chesapeake
Switching to solar power has many wonderful benefits. Not only can it help preserve the planet, but you can also save some money on your installation with various government incentives.No matter what state you live in, you can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you claim 0 of how much you paid for your solar installation on your tax return, lowering the amount of taxes you owe that year. Plus, there may be some state and city incentives you can benefit from too. Our article on solar incentives goes over more in-depth information on the incentives you can benefit from in Chesapeake.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Chesapeake
A lot of people want to do what they can to help the environment, which often is the prime motivation to install solar panels.Something many people might be asking themselves is how much can they really help the environment by going solar anyway? In a city like Chesapeake where energy use is particularly high, installing solar panels is a good plan for those who care about the planet.While solar panel production releases carbon dioxide emissions, the panels make up for it by considerably lowering the amount of CO2 you would have produced if you still used nonrenewable energy. In Chesapeake, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 60 pounds a year with solar panels. For those who care about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for the offset carbon emissions.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Chesapeake, VA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the top solar company in Chesapeake?
In Chesapeake, Solar Services, Inc. is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.70 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your home.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?
Producing solar panels needs to use chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be dangerous for the environment, which is the main drawback of solar panels.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after getting solar panels?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 12.7 years, but the exact period depends on local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.
What is the best type of solar panel?
There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. As for efficiency and price, monocrystalline has the highest for both, then polycrystalline, and then thin-film. The best choice for you is highly influenced by the layout of your roof, your budget and how much energy generation you want.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.