Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Portsmouth, Virginia. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A top-rated, locally operated SunPower Master Dealer. They are known for high-efficiency solar panels and robust warranties. Their strength lies in custom system design, premium installations, and extensive knowledge of Virginia-specific incentives like the Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) markets.
A locally owned and operated company dedicated specifically to the Hampton Roads area, including Portsmouth. They pride themselves on personalized service, energy efficiency assessments, and expertise in both grid-tied and off-grid solutions suitable for the coastal environment.
A rapidly growing regional provider serving Virginia and Maryland. Lumina is recognized for its transparent pricing, strong customer service, and flexible financing options. They offer a variety of panel brands and focus on making solar accessible through loans, leases, and PPAs.
** The home solar market in Portsmouth, Virginia, is active and competitive, characterized by a mix of strong regional installers and national companies with local sales and installation teams. The overall quality of providers is high, with many holding NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certifications, a key industry standard. Competition helps keep pricing relatively in line with the national average. Typical pricing for a residential system in Portsmouth ranges from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before applying the 30% federal tax credit. For an average 6 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of **$15,000 to $21,000**. Homeowners in Virginia benefit from the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), net metering policies from Dominion Energy, and the state's exemption of solar installations from property tax assessments. The combination of strong sun exposure in the region and these financial incentives makes solar a financially attractive option for many Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Portsmouth, Virginia.
For a typical 6kW system in Portsmouth, the average gross cost ranges from $15,000 to $22,000 before incentives. Crucially, Virginia homeowners benefit from the state's 30% federal tax credit and a state tax credit of up to $2,500, which significantly lower the net cost. Additionally, Portsmouth residents should check for any local utility rebates from Dominion Energy and the property tax exemption for solar installations, which prevents your assessment from increasing due to the added value.
Portsmouth's coastal environment requires solar installers to use corrosion-resistant hardware and secure mounting systems designed for high-wind zones, as the area is susceptible to tropical storms. Reputable local providers will engineer systems to meet or exceed Virginia's building codes for wind resistance (typically up to 145 mph). While panels are highly durable, it's essential to review your homeowner's insurance policy to ensure your system is covered against storm damage.
The entire process in Portsmouth usually takes 2 to 4 months. After design and permitting with the City of Portsmouth's Building Inspections office and interconnection approval from Dominion Energy, installation itself takes 1-3 days. The timeline can be extended if your electrical panel requires an upgrade or if there are delays in the local inspection schedule, which is why choosing an experienced local installer familiar with Portsmouth's process is key.
Prioritize Virginia-licensed, insured, and locally established installers with strong reviews from Portsmouth residents. Verify their experience with Dominion Energy's net metering process and Portsmouth's specific permitting requirements. Always get multiple detailed quotes, and check their certifications (like NABCEP) and workmanship warranties. A trustworthy local provider will conduct a thorough site assessment, accounting for your roof's condition, shading from coastal trees, and optimal south-facing orientation.
Portsmouth's climate is excellent for solar, with ample sun hours. A properly sized system can cover a significant portion of your annual energy use. You'll generate the most power during long, sunny spring and summer days, which helps offset high AC costs. Production will be lower in shorter winter months, but Virginia's net metering policy with Dominion Energy allows you to bank excess summer credits to use during these less productive periods, smoothing out your annual savings.