Best 4 Solar Companies in Roanoke, VA

With Roanoke's clear skies and below-average rainfall, it's a great area for families and businesses aiming to harness the additional sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar installers. If you reside in one of the area's numerous old homes, you might not think your electrical system would accommodate solar panels. However, new innovations and savvy installers can help these homeowners access renewable, clean power. Discover Roanoke's top-rated solar companies and learn important decision-making tips on this page.

Ranking Methodology

We assessed a multitude of Roanoke solar installers, using the following criteria to select the top-notch:

• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Roanoke solar providers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Professional licenses and credentials: Each contractor on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Roanoke community for over 15 years.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should use their years of experience address your questions on how to look after your system and improve its performance.
• Panel brands and quality: The top solar companies keep up with new technology, providing equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar installers should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy provides multiple advantages. Here are some highlights.

• Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with energy storage systems operate through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on the electrical grid for your safety and comfort.
• Lowered energy bills: Solar panels let you generate your own energy to power your home, minimizing your monthly electricity costs. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. Plus, a significant amount of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using solar is a surefire way to reduce your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Roanoke Homeowners?

Virginia homeowners who go solar could qualify for special financing, reimbursements, rebates and tax credits. Here are just a few of the area's incentive offerings.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Roanoke

The more comprehensive your provider search is, the better your solar system will ultimately work. Make your choice based on the following essential elements.

Licensing and Training

Since 2012, Virginia's Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation has issued Alternative Energy Systems (AES) licenses to contractors who install solar PV systems. A contractor with an AES license may need to subcontract electrical, plumbing or HVAC work. Check 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 Roanoke

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 produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. 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 raise your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar contractor offers these optional components, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's crucial for you.

Generally speaking, it will cost about $17,950 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Roanoke. This table displays more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Roanoke

Choosing the best financing solution will impact your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include cash payments, leases, loans, and power purchase agreements. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the next best option. As with a car or home loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for valuable solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, much like 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. We suggest working with a contractor that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each consultant about what's available, and get more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your spending limits.

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

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new home solar systems purchased through 2032. Further 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