11 Best Solar Companies in Forest, VA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 11 in Forest based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Forest, VA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Forest homeowner saves $1,536/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Forest
If you’re a home or business owner looking to make use of the solar incentives in Forest, it can be a lot of work to narrow down which installer to choose. But, the process is worth it since switching to solar energy is often a great idea. Solar power isn't just good for the planet — your budget will benefit too. After switching to solar power, you can save an average of $18,000 over 20 years, and this doesn't even include incentives.
Here, we’ll list out some of the top solar companies in Forest to make your decision a little easier.To receive free quotes from the best solar companies in Forest, you can click "get quote" 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 Forest
Earth Right Efficiency
Clear Pricing Policy- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation- System Decommissioning
- Skilled Repairs
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
Earth Right Mid-Atlantic
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- System Decommissioning
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
Cenvar Solar - Lynchburg
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Permit Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Affordable Energy Concepts Inc
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Community Solar Projects
- Battery Storage
JD Solar Power
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
Tiger Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
Main Street Solar Energy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Magic City Solar Co
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
- System Decommissioning
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Cenvar Solar - Roanoke
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
Huffman Electrical Systems Inc
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Panel Installation
Genesis Home and Energy
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Grid-Tied Solar System
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Forest
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Forest 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 Forest
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 Forest
For a lot of homeowners, whether or not to invest in a solar energy system comes down to the cost.Some key things that impact the cost and possible savings include:
- The model of solar panels you’re thinking of getting: Some are more expensive, so that will determine your budget for your solar project.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone qualifies for, lets you deduct 0 of the cost of installing your solar panel system from your federal taxes. In addition, not including incentives, you can save about $18,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
- Whether or not your roof gets a lot of direct sunlight: This, plus the configuration of your roof, affects affect how much power your solar panels can generate.
- Energy consumption: Solar may be an expensive investment for families that don’t consume too much energy a month.
There are many wonderful benefits of solar in spite of the upfront cost of installation. It can help the Earth and your finances. In addition, it can boost the value of your home, leading to even more benefits if you want to sell your home later.
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Solar Incentives in Forest
There are a lot of reasons why going solar is a great investment. One of them includes some government incentives that can help save you some money.You can qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar system. You can also possibly use the ITC with other local incentives. You can find out about the incentives available to you in our article on solar incentives
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Forest
Switching to solar energy can have a meaningful impact on the environment.But how much can using solar energy instead of traditional energy actually help the environment? One thing you should consider is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if you spend a lot of time on the road and have an electric vehicle, you can use solar energy for your home to power your EV and therefore help offset your carbon emissions.Because solar panels don’t release carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere when creating electricity, they’re a good trade for traditional energy sources. In fact, you could look forward to lowering your carbon dioxide emissions by about 100 pounds each year. Since solar energy is plentiful and produces electricity without a carbon footprint, installing solar panels is one easy step you can take to help protect the planet.
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 Forest, VA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar company is the best near me?
In Forest, Earth Right Efficiency is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.90 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your house.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of adopting solar power?
A few of the biggest pros are that it lowers your electricity bills, it’s environmentally friendly, and it gives you a good return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don’t work as well when there’s limited direct sunlight, there is a high upfront cost and solar panels can look clunky on your roof.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 13.1 years, but your solar payback period will depend on your utility costs. The more your typical electricity bill, the quicker your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.
What is the best type of solar panel?
There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. In regard to efficiency and price, monocrystalline has the highest for both, then polycrystalline, and then thin-film. The best choice for you is highly influenced by your roof layout, your budget and how much efficiency you're looking for.
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.