Best 5 Solar Companies in Portsmouth, VA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Portsmouth

The more thorough your company investigation is, the better your solar system will ultimately operate. Make your choice based on the following vital factors.

Licensing and Training

Since 2012, Virginia's Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation has issued Alternative Energy Systems (AES) licenses to contractors working on solar PV systems. A contractor with an AES license may need to subcontract electrical, HVAC or plumbing work. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar industry's most credible trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Portsmouth

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels provide a lower price point but produce less power. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

If you need to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By choosing the right components, you can make your system more productive and convenient to use. Not every solar company provides these additional features, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's crucial for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Portsmouth

Solar companies use multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar loans, solar leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and cash payments. We advise paying with cash 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 have full ownership of 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 installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to rent your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Ask each provider you're considering about the financing options it offers. A staff member can help you determine the optimal option for your financial situation.

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

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.