Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Herndon, 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, including a dedicated office in Herndon. They are known for a comprehensive, in-house approach, handling everything from initial design and permitting to installation and maintenance. They are a SunPower Master Dealer, offering some of the industry's most efficient panels and robust warranties.
A highly-rated, employee-owned solar company based in the DC metro area, with a strong focus on Northern Virginia. Ipsun is recognized for its customer-centric approach, transparent pricing, and expertise in complex installations, including battery backups and custom designs. They are a Certified B Corporation, reflecting high standards for social and environmental performance.
A local installer that has built a strong reputation specifically in Northern Virginia ("Nova"). They pride themselves on personalized service, local knowledge of Herndon's permitting process, and flexible financing options. They work with top-tier equipment manufacturers like Panasonic and QCells to provide reliable and cost-effective systems.
** The home solar market in Herndon, Virginia, is highly competitive and of above-average quality, characterized by a mix of established regional leaders and specialized local installers. Herndon residents benefit from Virginia's favorable net metering policies and the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC), which drives strong market demand. Competition is fierce, which generally benefits the consumer through competitive pricing and enhanced service offerings. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in Herndon ranges from **$2.80 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives, translating to a gross cost of **$21,000 to $35,000 for a 7kW-10kW system**. The high density of qualified installers in Northern Virginia means that companies must differentiate themselves through superior customer service, robust warranties, and expertise in local incentives and interconnection processes to succeed. Homeowners are advised to obtain multiple quotes from reputable, licensed, and insured providers to ensure they receive the best value and system design for their specific needs.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Herndon regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Herndon, Virginia.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Herndon, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, you can significantly reduce this with the 30% federal tax credit and Virginia's state-level incentives, including a sales tax exemption on equipment. Additionally, Herndon homeowners benefit from net metering with Dominion Energy, allowing you to earn bill credits for excess energy sent back to the grid.
Herndon's four distinct seasons create a predictable production cycle. Solar panels perform best during the clear, sunny days of spring and fall, while summer production can be slightly tempered by heat (panels are less efficient at high temperatures) and occasional haze. Winter sees reduced output due to shorter days and potential snow cover, but cold, sunny days are very efficient, and Virginia's annual sunlight is more than sufficient for strong annual energy savings.
Yes, you must navigate both local and community rules. The Town of Herndon requires a building permit for solar installations, which your qualified installer will typically manage. More critically, if your home is part of a Homeowners Association (common in Herndon), you must review its Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs). Virginia's Solar Rights Act (Code § 67-701) protects your right to install solar, but HOAs can still impose reasonable restrictions on the placement and appearance of panels.
Prioritize providers with extensive local experience in Herndon and Fairfax County, as they will be familiar with specific permit processes, utility interconnection requirements for Dominion Energy, and local building codes. Look for established companies with Virginia-licensed electricians, strong warranties, and a robust portfolio of local installations. Always check reviews and ask for references from recent customers in your area to gauge their reliability and service.
Standard grid-tied solar systems automatically shut off during a grid outage for safety reasons, to protect utility workers. To have power during outages common to our region, you must pair your solar system with a dedicated battery storage solution, like a Tesla Powerwall or similar. This creates a home microgrid, allowing your panels to charge the battery and power critical loads even when Dominion Energy's grid is down, providing valuable resilience.