Best 5 Solar Companies in Arlington, VA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Arlington

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar array. Consider all of these factors in your service provider search.

The style of solar panels you choose determines how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels provide a lower price point but produce less power. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.

If you want to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in dark weather, you'll usually pay extra for add-ons. These will increase your total project price, but they can enhance your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar contractors include these additional features, so look for a contractor that has them if it's a priority for you.

Licensing and Training

Since 2012, Virginia's Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation has issued Alternative Energy Systems (AES) licenses to contractors who work on solar PV systems. A contractor with an AES license may need to subcontract HVAC, plumbing or electrical work. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private credentials. Two of the most prestigious are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, granted by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Financing Options

There are numerous ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include loans, leases, cash payments, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). We suggest making a cash payment or securing a solar loan for the best return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you'll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You'll also have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar incentives to reduce your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don't want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you'll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in specific circumstances. We suggest working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each consultant about what's available, and get more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your budget.