Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Clifton, Virginia. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A large, well-established regional installer serving the Mid-Atlantic, including Northern Virginia. They are known for a comprehensive in-house approach, handling everything from design and permitting to installation and maintenance. They are a SunPower Master Dealer, offering some of the most efficient panels on the market.
A highly-rated, employee-owned local company based in Fairfax, VA. Ipsun is known for its customer-centric approach, high-quality craftsmanship, and expertise in both solar and battery storage installations. They focus heavily on custom system design and energy efficiency.
A leading SunPower Premier Dealer located in Reston, VA. This company leverages SunPower's industry-leading panel technology and warranty. They specialize in high-end residential systems and are particularly skilled at navigating the specific incentives and utility policies in Northern Virginia.
The home solar market in Clifton, Virginia, is characterized by high-quality, competitive service providers catering to an affluent and environmentally conscious community. Due to Clifton's profile with larger, wooded properties, providers often have expertise in managing complex installations that may involve tree assessment and specialized mounting. The competition level is high, but this benefits the consumer through competitive pricing and a strong focus on customer service. Typical pricing for a residential system in this area generally falls between **$2.50 and $3.50 per watt** before incentives, meaning an average 8 kW system could range from $20,000 to $28,000 gross cost. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) significantly reduces this net cost. Homeowners in Clifton also benefit from net metering with Dominion Energy and the Virginia state solar-friendly policies, including property tax exemptions for solar installations. The market is dominated by established, licensed contractors who are well-versed in these local and state-level incentives.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Clifton regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Clifton, Virginia.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Clifton, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. You can significantly reduce this with the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and Virginia's state-level incentives, like the sales and use tax exemption for solar equipment. Additionally, net metering with Dominion Energy allows you to earn bill credits for excess power you send back to the grid, improving long-term savings.
Clifton experiences four distinct seasons with ample annual sunshine, making it well-suited for solar. However, the area's mature tree canopy can cause shading issues, which dramatically reduce panel output. A professional site assessment is crucial to identify the optimal, unobstructed roof plane (typically south-facing) and to determine if selective tree trimming is necessary to maximize your system's production, especially during the shorter winter days.
Installing solar in Clifton requires compliance with Fairfax County building codes and permitting processes, which your installer typically manages. You must also submit an interconnection application to Dominion Energy. Importantly, if your home is within the Clifton Historic District or governed by a strict HOA, there may be additional architectural review requirements for panel visibility, though Virginia law (the "Solar Rights Act") prohibits HOAs from unreasonably restricting solar installations.
Select a provider licensed and insured to operate in Virginia with extensive local experience in Fairfax County. Look for established companies with strong reviews on local platforms and ask for references from recent installations in Clifton. A trustworthy installer will provide a detailed production estimate specific to your property's sun exposure and handle all local permitting, interconnection, and potential HOA paperwork.
Standard grid-tied systems shut off during an outage for safety, unless paired with a dedicated battery backup like a Tesla Powerwall. For Clifton homeowners concerned about outages, adding storage is a key consideration. Regarding weather, panels are rated for Virginia's hail and high winds, but you should ensure your installer uses robust mounting hardware and confirm your homeowner's insurance policy covers solar equipment against storm damage.