Best 5 Solar Companies in McLean, VA

With McLean's clear skies and below-average rainfall, it's an ideal area for families and businesses seeking to harness the added sunlight by buying panels from one of the best solar companies. With all the options to choose from in this concrete jungle, you might feel burnt out searching for a top-notch provider. On this page, we'll show you McLean's top solar installers and provide insightful advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

Our team focuses on the following criteria to assess the best McLean solar companies.

• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should use their years of experience answer your questions on how to look after your system and improve its performance.
• Experience and professional licensure: Each contractor on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the McLean community for more than a decade.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar providers should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The top solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, providing equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most McLean solar companies have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Lowered energy bills: You can skip the added cost of grid-tied power by creating some electricity at home. 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: Using clean solar power lowers your dependence on conventional, less environmentally-friendly sources.
• Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with battery storage systems work through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on the power grid for your safety and well-being.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to McLean Homeowners?

Virginia agencies and electric companies offer multiple solar incentives to help offset your solar system costs. Below is a breakdown of available solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in McLean

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar energy system. Consider all of these criteria in your service provider search.

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 photovoltaic systems. A contractor with an AES license may need to subcontract electrical, HVAC or plumbing work. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private credentials. Two of the most respected 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 McLean

The type of solar panels you purchase dictates how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.

Additional components, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will add to your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar contractor provides these additional features, so look for a provider that installs them if it's essential for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in McLean

Choosing the ideal financing solution will influence your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include cash payments, leases, loans, and power purchase agreements. We suggest making a cash payment or using 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 good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) allows you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, as with an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the panels and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Ask each installer you're considering about the financing options it offers. A salesperson can help you determine the most suitable option for your financial situation.

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

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, local governments and utilities 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