Best 5 Solar Companies in Leesburg, VA

Leesburg homeowners are fortunate to live in ample sunlight, both to bask in and harness as energy. Many are working with top solar installers to get panels on their roofs. 2,922 homes in the area already employ a solar PV or water heating system. Expert installers will therefore have the precise experience you need to jump on the solar bandwagon with confidence. On this page, we'll showcase Leesburg's premier solar companies and provide expert advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has carefully researched dozens of solar companies near Leesburg, with emphasis on the following criteria:

• Professional licenses and credentials: 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 Leesburg community for more than a decade.
• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most Leesburg solar contractors have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should tap into their years of experience address your questions on how to maintain your system and maximize its performance.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar companies should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The leading solar companies remain current on new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with battery storage systems work through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on the power grid for your safety and comfort.
• Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the expensive cost of grid-tied power by producing some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to credit part of your bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Embracing solar is a surefire way to lower your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Leesburg Homeowners?

Governments and power companies often reward homeowners for switching to solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Leesburg

The price and performance of solar panels often depend on the solar company that mounted them. Here are some key items to consider while shopping for a solar installer.

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 plumbing, HVAC or electrical work. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private credentials. Two of the most prestigious are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional 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.

Cost of Solar Panels in Leesburg

Your solar modules' type will affect how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

If you'd like 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 panel array more effective and convenient to use. Not all solar companies include these additional features, so look for a company that sells them if it's essential for you.

If you're a resident of Leesburg and are looking into a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $17,950 for materials and labor. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Leesburg

Solar companies offer multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar leases, cash payments, solar loans and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Much like a car or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the panels and are disqualified from using solar incentives. We advise working with an installer that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each salesperson about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your financial plan.

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

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy equipment until the year 2032. Local and state governments and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and specialized financing options that could save you more.

Sources

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