5 Best Solar Companies in Galax, VA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 5 in Galax based on:
- Customer review scores
- Service area for Galax, VA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Galax homeowner saves $1,467/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Galax
When looking for the best solar companies in Galax, digging through so many options can be daunting, but it can pay off since switching to solar power can offer so many fantastic benefits. Fortunately, Galax residents have many of the best solar companies in the country, all of which provide amazing value for generating clean energy.
The cost of installing solar panels can change a lot depending on your home’s framework and your household energy usage.Interested in knowing how much it’d cost to install solar panels on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a top-rated Galax solar installer.
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 Galax
Baseline Solar Solutions
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Sustainable Electric and Air
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
Beam Solar Co
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
Collaborative Solar, LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
NC Solar Electric LLC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Grid-Tied Solar System
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Galax
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Galax 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 Galax
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 Galax
Even though solar panels can help save you a decent chunk of change on energy bills over time, it’s important to consider the upfront costs.Some important things that influence the cost and possible savings include:
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which can save you some money, allows you to deduct 0 of the cost of installing your solar panel system from your taxes. In addition, not including incentives, you can save about $17,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
- Electricity consumption: The average household in Galax uses a lot of energy, and as a result may see more savings on electricity bills than other places.
- The amount of sunlight your roof gets: Due to Galax’s high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a decent amount on your power bills.
- The make and model of solar panels you want: Higher-efficiency panels cost more, so that will determine your budget for your solar project.
There are lots of great benefits of solar despite the initial cost of installation. It can help the environment and your finances. Additionally, it can boost the value of your home, giving you even more benefits if you decide to sell your home later.
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Solar Incentives in Galax
Although a solar power system is typically a large investment, it can save you a substantial amount of money over time because of reduced energy bills and government incentives.Local solar incentives depend on the location and, sometimes, utility company. A lot of states offer rebates for solar power, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. For comprehensive information about local incentives, check out our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Galax
One reason so many homeowners consider adopting solar energy is to help reduce their environmental impact.Something many homeowners might be wondering about is how much can they really help the environment by switching to solar power anyway? According to the EPA, electricity production is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and about 62% of our electricity is produced by burning fossil fuels. Using solar power can help bring down that statistic in a city like Galax that accounts for a sizable amount of carbon dioxide emissions each year.Although solar panel manufacturing emits carbon dioxide, the panels make up for it by greatly decreasing the amount of CO2 you would have been responsible for if you still used nonrenewable energy. In Galax, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year with solar panels. If you care about the environment, you’ll likely find that there are many benefits of adopting solar energy other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is invaluable.
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 Galax, VA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar panel company in Galax?
The best local solar company in Galax is Baseline Solar Solutions, with a rating of 4.90 stars.
Are solar panels actually good for the environment?
Solar panels can be bad for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Making solar panels uses a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after buying solar panels?
Solar panels usually pay for themselves in about 13.7 years, but your solar payback period will vary based on your utility costs. The higher your typical electricity bill, the quicker your solar panel system will pay for itself.
When is the best time of year to install solar panels?
Although summer is the most popular time people install solar panels, the perfect time is actually winter. You can save money since there's decreased demand during the winter months, and it allows you to be up and running with solar for the more expensive power bills you may get during the summer.
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.