Best 5 Solar Companies in Danville, VA

With Danville's clear skies and little rainfall, it's an ideal area for homeowners and businesses seeking to harness the added sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar companies. While going solar comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $1,000 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional installer can help you choose the best panels to maximize your savings. On this page, we'll showcase Danville's leading solar providers and give expert advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has screened dozens of solar contractors near Danville, focusing on the following criteria:

• Service offerings and warranties: Solar installers should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.
• Panel brands and quality: The premier solar companies keep up with new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should utilize their years of experience address your questions on how to care for your system and improve its performance.
• Certifications and licenses: Each company on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Danville community for a decade or longer.
• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most Danville solar providers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power reduces your dependence on fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases that damage the environment.
• Lower energy bills: Generating some or all of your own energy will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states provide net metering programs that allow you to sell your extra energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
• Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with battery backups and storage systems work through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the electrical grid for your safety and comfort.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Danville Homeowners?

Virginia homeowners who choose solar could qualify for special financing, rebates, tax credits and reimbursements. Here are just a few of the local incentive offerings.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Danville

The more informed your provider search is, the better your solar system will ultimately work. Here are some key items to bear in mind while searching for a solar specialist.

Licensing and Training

Since 2012, the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation has issued Alternative Energy Systems (AES) licenses to contractors who install solar PV systems. Even if a contractor has an AES license, they may still need to subcontract HVAC, plumbing or electrical work. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. Two of the most recognized are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, awarded 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.

Cost of Solar Panels in Danville

Your solar modules' type will impact how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. 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.

If you want to charge an electric car or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By choosing the right components, you can make your system more efficient and user-friendly. Not all solar contractors offer these additional features, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's essential for you.

If you're a resident of Danville and want a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $17,950 for parts and installation. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Danville

Choosing the optimal financing option will affect your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include cash payments, leases, power purchase agreements, and loans. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a car or home loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for money-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. 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 suitable in certain circumstances. We advise working with a company that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each agent about what's available, and get more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your spending limits.

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

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, utilities and local governments may have their own financing plans and rebates that could reduce your total cost even more.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy