The 5 best solar installers in Virginia
Our top picks below are local installers we re-verified in October 2026 — each has a verified website or Google business listing (use the Google listing for current phone numbers and hours). For additional regional coverage, see the Honorable mentions below.
Convert Solar Local
Why listed: 4.8-star Google rating from 858 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
SunDay Solar Local
Why listed: 4.9-star Google rating from 41 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Prospect Solar Local
Why listed: 4.1-star Google rating from 26 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Ipsun Solar Local
Why listed: 4.6-star Google rating from 209 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Tiger Solar Local
Why listed: 5-star Google rating from 81 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
National installers National
Sunrun, Tesla Energy, and Palmetto Solar are the major national installers still actively taking new Virginia residential contracts as of 2026. Palmetto Solar currently holds EnergySage's Elite+ tier — the platform's highest installer rating. National installers typically have larger sales footprints but also higher financing markup and more variable local service quality than the state-based installers above.
Avoid — recently bankrupt or exited: Sunnova (Chapter 11 June 2025), the original SunPower (Chapter 11 August 2024 — the current "SunPower Inc." is rebranded Complete Solaria, a separate company), ADT Solar (exited residential solar January 2024 — warranty service only), Freedom Forever (Chapter 11 April 2026, converted to Chapter 7 liquidation August 2026), and Pink Energy / Power Home Solar (defunct September 2022 — had a major VA installation footprint; warranty service is essentially unavailable). If a salesperson contacts you under any of these brand names, ask which legal entity is actually signing the contract and warranty.
For the complete list of national installers with state coverage maps, financing terms, and ratings:
Virginia solar economics in 2026
| Metric | Virginia average |
|---|---|
| Average residential rate | $0.13–$0.16 / kWh |
| Typical 8 kW system cost (cash) | $22,000–$28,000 before incentives |
| Average $/W | $2.75–3.50 |
| Average annual production (kWh per kW) | ~1,300–1,450 kWh/kW/year |
| Net metering structure | Net metering at retail (Dominion, Appalachian Power) |
| Average cash payback | 10–13 years |
For full state-by-state cost comparison see solar cost by state.
Virginia solar incentives and rebates (2026)
Virginia stacks federal credit pathways (commercial Section 48E for businesses and third-party-owned residential), state-level credits/rebates where applicable, statutory tax exemptions, and utility-specific programs. Below is the 2026 picture with links to authoritative sources.
Federal credits (2026)
- Commercial Section 48E (Clean Electricity Investment Credit): Available to businesses, farms, and to third-party owners in lease/PPA structures (which can pass the benefit through as lower monthly payments). FEOC restrictions apply — see FEOC rules guide and FEOC compliant parts list. IRS — Clean Electricity Investment Credit.
- USDA REAP grants (agricultural / rural small business): Up to 50% of project cost, with low-interest loan guarantees on top. Quarterly application windows. "Before you build" rules — you must apply before construction starts. USDA — REAP Program.
- Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible EV charging equipment + installation costs at qualifying locations. Expires for property placed in service after June 30, 2026. IRS — 30C Credit.
Virginia state-level incentives
- Property tax exemption: VA Statute §58.1-3661 — solar property tax exemption.
- Sales tax: VA sales tax exemption for residential solar PV equipment.
Net metering & utility programs in Virginia
VA Clean Economy Act protects retail-rate NEM through 2050. See also net metering explained.
- Dominion Energy VA: Retail NEM www.dominionenergy.com
- Appalachian Power: Retail NEM www.appalachianpower.com
Virginia SREC market
VA SREC market (PJM): Active for systems over a certain size; ask installer if your system qualifies.
Virginia EV charger and EV-purchase incentives (2026)
- Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible equipment + installation in qualifying low-income / non-urban census tracts. Expires June 30, 2026 for property placed in service after that date.
- Many Virginia utilities and cooperatives offer Level 2 EV charger rebates ($150–$800 typical) often tied to TOU enrollment or smart-charger requirements. Check directly with your specific utility.
Authoritative sources to verify before signing
- VA Department of Energy: www.energy.virginia.gov
- DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency): programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=VA — searchable national database, kept current by NC State.
- Federal IRS guidance: irs.gov — Clean Electricity Investment Credit
What to verify before signing in Virginia
- Contractor license: Verify with your state contractor licensing authority before signing.
- NABCEP certification: Most reputable installers carry NABCEP-certified installers on staff. Ask which crew member holds the certification.
- Insurance: General liability + workers comp + roofer's insurance separate from electrical insurance.
- References from your county: Permitting and inspection requirements vary. Ask for 2–3 references from your specific county.
- Get at least three bids: Solar bids vary by 20–35% on the same scope of work. See how to compare solar bids.
Got bids from Virginia installers? Compare them properly.
Upload up to four solar proposals from any Virginia installer. The analyzer compares $/W, production estimates, equipment, and financing structure — and tells you which one to sign.
Analyze My Bids →Honorable mentions
Additional installers worth getting a quote from — additional VA-based options for geographic spread between NoVA, Richmond, Hampton Roads, and Charlottesville, plus EnergySage-screened regional installers serving Virginia from neighboring states. Dominion Energy is the dominant utility but Appalachian Power, REC cooperatives, and municipal utilities have separate programs.
Other Virginia-based installers
Virtue Solar Local
Why listed: 5-star Google rating from 82 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Nova Solar Local
Why listed: 4.9-star Google rating from 145 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Regional installers serving Virginia
Worth a quote if you're in Southern Virginia (closer to NC) or Southwest VA (closer to TN/WV), but expect longer drive times for service calls than a fully VA-based installer.
8M Solar Regional
Why listed: 4.9-star Google rating from 588 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Lumina Solar Regional
Why listed: 4.9-star Google rating from 842 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Tip: Virginia has full retail-rate net metering through Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power, plus a property-tax exemption for the added solar value. The Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA) protects solar-customer rights through 2050 — one of the more durable solar policy frameworks in the South. SREC market (PJM) is active for systems over a certain size; ask your installer whether your system qualifies.
Frequently asked questions about Virginia solar
Does solar make sense in Virginia?
Yes for most homeowners with a $150+ monthly electric bill, an unshaded roof, and 8+ years of expected ownership. Virginia's specific economics are summarized in the table above.
How much does a typical Virginia solar install cost in 2026?
$22,000–$28,000 for an 8 kW system before incentives. Effective net cost depends on your state and utility incentives.
Should I get more than three bids?
Yes — three is a minimum. Four or five is better. Solar bids vary by 20–35% on the same scope of work. See how to compare solar bids.
Are there other reputable Virginia solar installers besides these?
Many. The list above represents installers with strong public profiles in Virginia; reputable installers exist beyond it. Get bids from a mix and compare them objectively rather than relying on any one list.