10 Best Solar Companies in Chester, VA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 10 in Chester based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Chester, VA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Average Chester homeowner saves $1,496/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Chester
Getting the best solar panel installation company for your house is a huge decision, but it's one that can pay off big in Chester. While solar power is a large investment, you’ll be able to make that money back and then some, all while living more sustainably. In fact, you could be looking at saving about $18,000 over 20 years.
In this article, we’ll help you narrow in on the best options in your area.To get free quotes from the top-rated solar companies in Chester, click the "get quote" button below.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Chester
SolarTyme
Free Quotes- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Battery Storage- Panel Installation
Radiant Home | Solar, Roofing, Battery Backup
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Consultation
Southern Exposure Solar
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
Nexus Energy Systems
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Tesla Powerwall
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
Greentech Renewables Virginia
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Horizon Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Shockoe Solar, LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
Gault Electric LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
Big Boss Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
Shockoe Solar, LLC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Chester
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Chester based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Chester
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Virginia solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Chester
The cost of installing solar panels has gone down immensely in the past few years, but it’s still a significant investment for most homeowners.The cost of solar and the savings it generates vary depending on some important factors such as:
- Energy consumption: Installing solar panels may be too pricey an option for families that don’t use a lot of energy per month.
- The make and model of solar panels you’re thinking of getting: More high-tech panels cost more, so that will shape your budget for your solar project.
- The amount of sunlight your roof gets: If your roof gets limited direct sunlight, your solar system won’t be able to generate as much energy, which will give you lower savings on electricity bills than someone with a roof that gets lots of sunlight.
- Incentives: Those who purchase and install a solar system this year can save 0 of their solar installation costs by using the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $18,000 on your energy bills over 20 years excluding incentives.
There are several great benefits of solar despite the initial cost of installation. It can help the planet and your finances. Additionally, it can increase the value of your home, leading to even more benefits if you choose to sell your home later.
Solar Savings Calculator for {{ solarcalc.name }}
Use the calculator below to find out how much installing a solar panel system could affect the planet and your wallet. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Chester, VA.
| {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} -year savings | {{ solarcalc.total_savings()|currency }} |
| Estimated cost | {{ solarcalc.array_cost() | currency }} |
| Estimated incentives | {{ solarcalc.incentive_savings() | currency }} |
| Payback period | {{ solarcalc.payback_period()|number:1 }} years |
| CO2 emissions prevented | {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()|number:0 }} lbs |
| Miles driven equivalent | {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()/0.78|number:0 }} mi |
Switching to solar in {{ solarcalc.name }} can save you {{ solarcalc.total_savings() | currency }} over the course of {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} years.
Solar Incentives in Chester
To increase solar panel installation and usage, federal and local governments – and even some utility companies – offer incentives to help make solar power more economical and accessible.When you install solar panels, you become eligible to claim the federal tax credit, or ITC. This credit currently lets you reduce your tax bill by 0 of the cost of your solar panels. Additionally, there may often be some local incentives that you can take advantage of to further save. Our article on solar incentives goes over more detailed information on the incentives you can find in Chester.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Chester
There are many reasons to make the switch to solar energy, like saving on electricity bills and helping to lower your carbon footprint.You may be asking yourself – how much does making the switch do for the environment anyway? For homeowners and business owners who are environmentally-conscious, using solar power is an easy choice, especially since Chester produces a high amount of carbon dioxide emissions from its energy generation.After you go solar, your carbon footprint can be reduced by about 60 pounds a year. Since solar power is abundant and produces electricity without releasing carbon emissions, installing solar panels is one easy step you can take to help the environment.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Chester, VA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar company in Chester?
The best local solar company in Chester is SolarTyme, with a rating of 4.40 stars.
What are a few of the biggest advantages and disadvantages of installing solar panels?
A few of the biggest pros are that it reduces your electricity bills, it’s eco-friendly, and it can provide a decent return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don’t work as well when there’s limited direct sunlight, the startup costs are high and solar panels aren’t always aesthetically pleasing.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but truthfully, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
When should I install solar panels?
You can put up solar panels whenever it's convenient for you, but consider doing it in the winter when there's less demand. With fewer homeowners going solar, you could potentially see faster installation times and more savings.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.