9 Best Solar Companies in Richmond, VA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 9 in Richmond based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Richmond, VA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Richmond homeowner saves $785/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Richmond
Choosing the best solar panel installation company for your home is a big decision, but it's one that can pay off big in Richmond. Because solar panels produce their own electrical power, they can greatly lower your electricity bill each month, if not completely eliminate it. In fact, you could be looking at about $9,800 of savings over 20 years.
If you want to start making use of the great number of perks of solar, we’re here to help you narrow down your options to find the Richmond solar installer that’s in the right price range for you.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 highly rated Richmond 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 Richmond
Radiant Home | Solar, Roofing, Battery Backup
Informative Resources- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Consultation
- Skilled Repairs
Southern Exposure Solar
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
Nexus Energy Systems
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Tesla Powerwall
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
SolarTyme
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Horizon Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Greentech Renewables Virginia
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Shockoe Solar, LLC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
Big Boss Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
Shockoe Solar, LLC
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Richmond
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Richmond 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 Richmond
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 Richmond
When picking a solar company, most homeowners or business owners wonder about the costs the most.The installation cost is just one important factor you should consider when looking into getting solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things such as:
- The make and model of solar panels you’re planning on getting: Higher-efficiency panels cost more, so that will affect your budget for your solar project.
- How much power your household needs: If your household regularly uses a lot of energy, you'll reap more rewards from installing solar panels.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone qualifies for, lets you deduct 0 of the cost of your solar system installation from your federal taxes. Additionally, not including incentives, you can save about $9,800 over 20 years on your energy bills.
- Your home's power bills: Because of high monthly electric bills in Richmond, you could save about $1,600 a year with solar.
Solar is a rewarding investment for most homeowners. You can make your own electricity instead of paying for it from the grid and benefit from solar incentives, all while helping preserve the environment.
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Solar Incentives in Richmond
There are many good reasons why going solar is a great investment. One of them consists of some government incentives that can help save you some money.On top of the federal solar investment tax credit, there are also some state- and city-level benefits, which in most cases, can be claimed in addition to the federal incentive, so you can save even more. For more information about local incentives, see our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Richmond
If you’re thinking of adding solar panels to your home, one of the main reasons why may be to lower your reliance on nonrenewable energy.Something many might be asking themselves is how much can they really help save the environment by switching to solar power anyway? In Richmond, where the energy generation could be cleaner, going solar can have a big effect on the planet since solar power has a lower carbon footprint.In Richmond, the average resident can lower their carbon footprint by 10 pounds a year once they go solar. As you can see, using solar power has so many other benefits apart from saving money. One of the major ones is that you can help save the Earth too.
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 Richmond, VA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar power company is the best in Richmond?
In Richmond, Radiant Home | Solar, Roofing, Battery Backup is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a good choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your home.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?
Making solar panels uses chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be harmful for the environment, which is the main negative thing about solar panels.
Is it worth installing solar panels on my house?
Solar panels need a large upfront investment that usually costs at least ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
When is the best time of year to install solar panels?
Despite summer being the most popular time people install solar panels, the optimal time is actually winter. You can save money since there's less demand during the winter months, and it allows you to be up and running with solar for the higher power bills you may get during the summer.
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.