Best 5 Solar Companies in Tuckahoe, VA

With Tuckahoe's clear skies and little rainfall, it's a perfect area for homeowners and businesses hoping to harness the additional sunlight by buying panels from one of the best solar installers. Solar experts take a uniquely educational approach, helping homeowners understand the underlying technology and tune it to their needs. In this article, we'll showcase Tuckahoe's best solar installers and offer suggestions for your company choice, so you can find the perfect one for your residence.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has carefully researched dozens of solar providers near Tuckahoe, focusing on the following criteria:

• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should use their years of experience address your questions on how to look after your system and optimize its performance.
• Professional licensure and experience: Each company on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Tuckahoe community for a decade or longer.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The leading solar companies keep up with new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar installers should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.
• Customer feedback and reviews: Most Tuckahoe solar contractors have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers multiple advantages. Let's look at a few of them.

• Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have reliable energy during grid outages and storms.
• Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the premium cost of grid-tied power by creating some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back for credits on your bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Tuckahoe Homeowners?

The state of Virginia offers numerous solar incentives to help minimize your solar system costs. Below is a breakdown of relevant solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Tuckahoe

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar array. Here are some key items to bear in mind while searching for a solar specialist.

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. Even if a contractor has an AES license, they may still need to subcontract electrical, plumbing or HVAC work. Solar providers can also obtain certifications from standards organizations and trade groups. The most recognized 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 Tuckahoe

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options 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.

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

Most Tuckahoe 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 Tuckahoe

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 a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they save you from 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. Like a car or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to use your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only 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. Look for companies that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your pocket.

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

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

Sources

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