Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Great Falls, Virginia. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading regional solar installer with a strong presence in the Mid-Atlantic. They are known for their comprehensive in-house services, from initial design and engineering to installation and maintenance. They emphasize high-quality equipment and offer robust financing options.
A highly-rated, employee-owned local company known for exceptional customer service and expertise in complex, high-performance systems. They have a strong focus on custom design and energy efficiency, making them a great fit for the custom homes often found in Great Falls.
A dominant national player known for its integrated solar roof and Powerwall battery storage system. While their rating is slightly lower due to widely reported customer service variability, their technology, brand recognition, and competitive pricing through their online ordering model make them a major contender in the market.
** The home solar market in Great Falls, Virginia, is a **high-quality, competitive niche market**. Due to the community's high average household income and large property sizes, the focus is less on budget options and more on premium, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing systems. Homeowners typically invest in larger systems, often incorporating battery storage (like the Tesla Powerwall or Enphase IQ Battery) for backup power and energy independence. **Competition Level:** Moderate to High. While there may not be a high volume of storefronts in Great Falls itself, the area is vigorously served by top-tier regional and national installers based in surrounding Northern Virginia suburbs like Reston, Ashburn, and Fairfax. These companies are accustomed to navigating the local permitting and architectural review board processes. **Average Quality:** The average quality of installers serving Great Falls is very high, with most holding NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certifications and partnerships with top-tier manufacturers like SunPower, LG, Panasonic, and Q CELLS. **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is at a premium compared to national averages, reflecting the higher cost of living, complex installations on large homes, and the quality of components used. Pre-incentive costs for a typical system can range from **$25,000 to $60,000+**, heavily dependent on system size and the inclusion of battery storage. However, the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and Virginia's state incentives significantly reduce the net cost.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Great Falls regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Great Falls, Virginia.
For a typical 8-10 kW system in Great Falls, homeowners can expect a gross cost between $25,000 and $35,000 before incentives. Crucially, you can combine the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) with Virginia's state-level incentives, including a sales and use tax exemption for solar equipment and the possibility of net metering through Dominion Energy. These incentives can significantly reduce the net system cost by 35-40%.
Great Falls has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons, providing excellent solar production in spring, summer, and fall, while winter yields lower output. The heavily wooded lots common in the area require a professional site assessment to identify potential shading from mature trees, which is critical for optimal panel placement on your roof or property to maximize sun exposure year-round.
All solar installations in Great Falls require a permit from Fairfax County. The process involves submitting detailed plans for structural, electrical, and zoning compliance. Given the community's aesthetic standards and potential for historic or architectural review, it's vital to work with an installer experienced with local codes who can efficiently manage this paperwork and ensure your system meets all county and homeowner association (if applicable) requirements.
Prioritize Virginia-based, licensed contractors (Class A, B, or C) with specific experience in Fairfax County. Check for certifications like NABCEP and read local reviews on platforms like Nextdoor. Obtain multiple detailed quotes that include post-installation monitoring and ask for references from recent installations in Great Falls to assess their familiarity with local tree management, roof types, and the permit process.
A standard grid-tied solar system will shut off during a power outage for safety reasons, even if the sun is shining. To have backup power during Great Falls' occasional severe winter storms and summer thunderstorms, you must pair your solar panels with a dedicated battery storage system (like a Tesla Powerwall). This setup can keep critical circuits running, but sizing it correctly for your home's needs and typical outage duration is essential.