Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Earlysville, Virginia. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Sigora Solar is a leading Virginia-based solar installer with a strong presence in the Charlottesville and Earlysville area. They are known for their comprehensive in-house services, from initial design and consultation to installation and maintenance. They are a certified B Corporation, emphasizing ethical business and environmental practices.
A local Charlottesville company with a strong focus on custom-designed solar solutions for homes and businesses. They have built a reputation for high-quality craftsmanship, personalized customer service, and expertise in both grid-tied and complex off-grid systems.
A national leader known for its integrated solar roof and Powerwall battery storage system. While their process is more standardized and centralized, they offer a technologically advanced product suite and competitive pricing. They operate nationwide and have a team that serves the Earlysville market.
** The home solar market in Earlysville, and the broader Charlottesville/Albemarle County area, is mature and competitive, characterized by high-quality service providers. The presence of several established, locally-based companies (like Sigora and SunDay) means homeowners have access to experienced contractors with deep knowledge of local permitting, climate considerations, and state-specific incentives like the Virginia Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program. The average quality of installers is high, with many holding prestigious certifications like NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners). Competition helps maintain strong customer service standards. Typical pricing for a residential system in Virginia ranges from **$15,000 to $35,000** before the 30% federal tax credit, heavily dependent on system size and energy needs. The market is dominated by grid-tied systems, but expertise in battery backup (like the Tesla Powerwall) is increasingly common due to demand for energy resilience. Financing options are robust, with most top providers offering loans, leases, and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Earlysville regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Earlysville, Virginia.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Earlysville, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, Virginia homeowners benefit from the 30% federal tax credit and the state's sales and use tax exemption for solar equipment. Additionally, you may be eligible for net metering through Dominion Energy, which credits you for excess power sent back to the grid, significantly improving long-term savings.
Earlysville's climate is excellent for solar, with clear, sunny summers generating peak production. While winter days are shorter and cloudier, modern panels are efficient in cold, bright conditions, and snowfall typically melts quickly off angled panels. The key is that your system will produce more than you need in sunny months, generating net metering credits with Dominion Energy to offset your higher usage during less productive winter months, ensuring annual savings.
Yes, you must comply with Albemarle County's building and zoning regulations. This typically requires a building permit and an electrical permit for the installation. The process is generally straightforward for standard rooftop systems, but if your home is in a designated historic area or has a homeowners' association (HOA), there may be additional architectural review requirements. A reputable local installer will manage this entire permitting process for you.
Prioritize providers with extensive local experience in Albemarle County, as they will be familiar with specific permit officials, Dominion Energy's interconnection process, and regional installation considerations like roof types common to the area. Verify they are licensed, insured, and certified by a body like NABCEP. Always check local reviews and ask for references from recent installations in Earlysville or nearby Charlottesville to gauge their reliability and customer service.
Not necessarily. A professional site assessment is critical. Installers will analyze sun exposure across your roof using tools like a Solar Pathfinder. They can design a system using modern microinverters or power optimizers, which maximize output by allowing panels to operate independently, so shading on one panel doesn't cripple the whole array. In some cases, selective tree trimming may be a worthwhile investment to significantly boost production.