Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Newport News, Virginia. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Sigora Solar is a leading Virginia-based solar installer known for its strong local presence and high customer satisfaction. They are a certified B Corporation, reflecting a commitment to social and environmental performance. They offer an all-in-one service from initial consultation and design to installation, maintenance, and financing, with deep expertise in local incentive programs.
As a local Hampton Roads company, Tidewater Solar has an excellent reputation for serving the Newport News community directly. They emphasize personalized service and custom system design for both grid-tied and off-grid solutions. Their local expertise ensures they are well-versed in the specific permitting and interconnection processes for the area.
Sunrun is one of the largest national residential solar companies and has a significant operational presence in Virginia. They are a major provider of solar leases and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), making solar accessible with little to no upfront cost. Their national scale provides robust manufacturer partnerships and a strong warranty program.
** The home solar market in Newport News is **moderately competitive and growing steadily**. Homeowners have a good mix of established local/regional specialists and large national providers. The overall quality of service is high, with companies well-versed in the local climate considerations (e.g., hurricane resilience) and the specific net metering policies of Dominion Energy Virginia. **Competition Level:** Moderate. A few strong local players like Tidewater Solar compete effectively with national giants like Sunrun and regional leaders like Sigora Solar. This competition benefits consumers through competitive pricing and service offerings. **Typical Pricing:** The average cost for a residential solar panel system in Virginia ranges from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. For a typical 6 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of **$15,000 to $21,000**. The 30% federal solar tax credit can significantly reduce this net cost. Financing options, including loans, leases, and PPAs, are widely available, making $0-down installations common. **Key Local Factors:** Dominion Energy's net metering program allows homeowners to receive bill credit for excess energy produced. Virginia also offers a state tax credit for solar, and there is no state sales tax on solar energy equipment, further improving the return on investment for Newport News residents.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Newport News regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Newport News, Virginia.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Newport News, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. 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. Additionally, Dominion Energy Virginia offers net metering, allowing you to earn bill credits for excess power you send back to the grid, which significantly improves long-term savings.
Newport News's humid subtropical climate is generally favorable for solar. While summer heat can slightly reduce panel efficiency, the abundant sunshine and long daylight hours from spring through fall lead to high overall production. Importantly, solar panels still generate electricity on cloudy days, and winter production, while lower, is supplemented by clearer skies, making a well-sized system effective year-round.
Installing solar in Newport News requires a permit from the city's Department of Codes Compliance. Your chosen installer will typically handle this process, which includes submitting plans for structural and electrical review to ensure compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. You do not need approval from a Homeowners Association (HOA) in Virginia, as state law (§ 67-701) prohibits HOAs from unreasonably restricting solar installations.
Start by selecting installers who are licensed, insured, and certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Ask for local references and view examples of their work in Newport News to assess their familiarity with local roof types and permitting. Always compare multiple detailed quotes and verify they are a registered contractor with the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR).
Reputable installers in coastal Virginia engineer systems to meet strict building codes for high-wind regions, typically securing panels to withstand winds well over 140 mph. It is essential to ensure your homeowner's insurance policy is updated to cover the solar array. In the event of a major storm warning like a hurricane, you have the option to proactively shut down the system from your inverter as a safety precaution.