Best 5 Solar Companies in Charlottesville, VA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Charlottesville

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar system. Here are some important factors to remember while searching for a solar installer.

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 plumbing, HVAC or electrical work. Solar providers can also obtain accreditations from trade groups and standards organizations. The most respected ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Charlottesville

Your photovoltaic panels' type will influence how much power you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can enhance your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar companies provide these optional components, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's essential for you.

Most Charlottesville homeowners select solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $17,950 to install, considering both parts and installation. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Charlottesville

There are a plethora of ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will lower your costs. A few of the most common options include leases, cash payments, loans, 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 own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut your total costs. Solar loans are another solid 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 rate to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in particular circumstances. Look for companies that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your wallet.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Charlottesville.

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to recently-purchased solar equipment purchased through 2032. Additional incentives may be available through local governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.