4 Best Solar Companies in West Virginia (2024)
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Despite having the nation’s second-largest coal production in 2021, West Virginia is slowly adopting more renewable energy. The state has incorporated more hydroelectric power and wind energy production but has room for solar energy growth. Solar power helps reduce your carbon footprint and has less environmental impact than coal. It also lowers energy costs, providing long-term savings for West Virginia homeowners.
Our team spent 60 hours researching the best performing solar providers on the national, regional, and local levels to find the best options in the Mountain State. We’ve picked the best solar companies for West Virginia, plus offered guidance on shopping for the right company to fit your needs.
Here’s an overview of the key features of the top West Virginia solar providers.
West Virginia’s Top Solar Energy Companies
Paradise Energy Solutions: Best Mid-Atlantic Regional Installer
As a family-owned regional installer, Paradise Energy Solutions provides customer-focused experiences with each solar installation.
Mountain View Solar: Most Experienced West Virginia Installer
Mountain View Solar offers a wealth of knowledge and experience backed by 28 years of business expertise.
Yellowlite: Best Regional West Virginia Installer
With over 14 years of experience, Yellowlite offers its solar knowledge and expertise to residents of the Southeast and Midwest.
Solar Holler: Best Local West Virginia Installer
Headquartered in Shepherdstown, Solar Holler offers custom solar systems backed by 10 years of local knowledge and experience.
*All BBB ratings are current as of June 2023.
Note: In July 2024, SunPower notified dealers it would be halting all new shipments and project installations. The company also noted it would “no longer be supporting new Leases and PPA sales nor new project installations of these financing options.
What Solar Incentives Are Available in West Virginia?
West Virginia offers few state-level solar incentives, rebates, and credits. Instead, homeowners should use the federal solar tax credit to help lower their solar installation costs. With this credit, you receive up to 30% off their total cost, making your solar conversion more affordable. You can apply the federal tax credit to photovoltaic (PV) panel systems, such as rooftop, ground-mount, and solar shingles. The credit also applies to standalone energy storage purchases.
West Virginia’s net metering program also provides added savings for solar panel system owners. Customers receive future bill credits for returning their excess energy to the grid.
Although the West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC) mandates that all utility companies in the state offer net metering, it doesn’t specify the credit payout rate. While some companies offer credits at the retail electricity rate, others opt for the much lower wholesale rate. Check with your local utility company for more details about programs and payout rates.
What Should You Look For in a Solar Company in West Virginia?
As you weigh the pros and cons of West Virginia solar companies, keep the following key factors in mind during your comparisons.
We recommend choosing solar panel companies that use in-house installers for their projects. These teams work directly for the solar company, providing better communication and solar panel installation quality. Installation results, communication, and customer experience can vary with some third-party contractors.
Look for companies offering various support services that boost your solar energy system performance. Companies may provide system monitoring, maintenance, or repairs. They may also offer services that help boost home efficiency or provide assistance with other home improvement projects. Below is a sample list of additional solar and home services:
- Dedicated mobile app or web portal
- Electrical services
- Energy efficiency audits and upgrades
- Home energy monitoring
- Panel removal and reinstallation services
- Roofing repair or replacement
- Smart home device installation
- Solar system monitoring
Warranty coverage should align with the typical panel life span of 25 years. Providers usually offer two or more warranties to protect your system’s performance well into the future. Here’s an overview of the most common system warranties:
- Manufacturer’s (or product) warranty: The coverage protects against any manufacturing defects.
- Workmanship (or labor) warranty: This warranty protects your solar energy solutions from issues caused by a faulty installation.
- Power performance guarantee: This plan outlines your panel’s long-term performance, accounts for any gradual production declines, and includes replacement or repair options if panels fall below these estimated levels.
Coverage varies between solar providers and may include one or all listed coverage options. We’ve noticed that the best performing home solar panels typically include long-term warranty options, while the top affordable solar manufacturers have shorter warranty plans in exchange for lower initial costs.
Most solar providers offer multiple solar financing options to help homeowners find the best option for their budget. Cash payments and solar loans make you the legal system owner, a qualification required for most solar incentives and rebates. Here’s an overview of the most common financing options:
- Up-front (or cash) payments: Customers pay the full up-front costs for their solar system.
- Solar loans: Customers make a down payment, then continue monthly payments with interest for a set timeframe.
- Solar leases: Most homeowners put little to no money down, then make monthly payments to rent their system from the solar provider.
- Power purchase agreements (PPAs): This leasing option requires no money down. Customers will pay for their solar energy use while the company retains system ownership.
Solar leases and PPAs disqualify you from solar incentives, reducing their overall financial benefit. You should avoid these payment options unless system ownership is not a priority. We recommend using cash payments and solar loans for the best long-term financial benefits and return on investment.
When we read customer reviews, we discovered that customer service was one of the most mentioned aspects of a solar company. Check online reviews for each company and note any complaints concerning unanswered emails or calls, rude representatives, or no follow-ups. Check each website for offered customer service contact methods. Typical methods include online forms, email, phone, chats, and in-app messaging.
How Should You Request a Solar Quote in West Virginia?
To compare potential companies, you should request solar system quotes from several providers. These quotes detail system size, components, costs, and warranty coverage. We’ve provided a step-by-step guide outlining the typical solar quote process below.
- Contact each solar installation company: Visit each company’s website to start the process. Most companies offer phone numbers, online forms, or emails to initiate quotes.
- Schedule your solar consultation: Most providers offer a virtual or in-person consultation with a company rep. Set aside at least two hours for your appointment.
- Have your energy bill handy: The rep will review your typical energy usage to determine your final system size and energy production needs. Some companies request multiple months of electric bills to analyze any fluctuations in energy use.
- Analyze your roof space: Companies review your roof design in person or using satellite technology. Depending on your selected solar panel type, you may need more room to accommodate more solar panels. The rep will check for any nearby shading from trees and may recommend tree removal if too many shadows cover your roof.
- Build your system: The company will design your final system. You can choose your preferred panel and component brands and add accessories such as solar batteries and EV chargers.
- Review your final quote: You should receive an itemized quote listing all solar equipment, associated costs, labor charges, and warranty coverage. Your quote will include financing options and your estimated solar payback period.
Our Conclusion
We selected Paradise Energy Solutions as the top West Virginia solar provider. The company builds some of the best solar energy systems for high energy production. In addition, it offers customized service options, that can better match a household’s specific needs.
We recommend getting at least three free quotes from potential companies to find the best installer for your home.
Other West Virginia Home Service Resources
FAQ About Solar Companies in WV
Is solar power worth it in WV?
Yes, solar power is a worthy investment for West Virginia residents. Although the state offers no additional solar credits or rebates, homeowners can still reduce installation costs with the federal tax credit. You can also earn electric bill credits through the state’s mandated net-metering program.
What direction should solar panels face in West Virginia?
Solar panels should face true south in West Virginia since it’s the best direction for homes in the Northern Hemisphere.
Is WV a net metering state?
Yes, West Virginia mandates net metering for all utility companies throughout the state. However, payout rates are regulated and vary between electric companies.
What is the solar policy in WV?
West Virginia’s solar policy protects homeowners’ rights to own solar panels. This solar access law states homeowners’ associations (HOAs) cannot ban solar panel installation. However, they have a say in your home’s solar array size and placement.
Our Rating Methodology
We are committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. After over a thousand hours of research on solar companies, interviews with experts, and common customer needs, we’ve created a detailed rating system for solar providers based on six factors:
- Solar equipment, installation, and services (25%)
- Warranty and performance guarantees (25%)
- Brand reputation and certifications (15%)
- Financing options (15%)
- Experience (10%)
- Availability (10%)
Total scores are divided by 20 for a final 5-point rating scale.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.