Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Richmond, Virginia. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Sigora Solar is a Virginia-based, employee-owned company and is widely recognized as one of the leading residential solar installers in the state. They offer an end-to-end service, from initial consultation and custom design to installation, financing, and maintenance. Their deep knowledge of Virginia-specific incentives, like the Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) market, is a significant strength.
As one of the largest residential solar installers in the nation, Titan Solar Power has a strong presence in the Richmond market. They are known for their high-volume operations and robust manufacturer partnerships, which often translate to competitive pricing. They specialize in both purchase and lease/Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) options, making solar accessible for various budgets.
While headquartered in Charlottesville, Sun Tribe Solar is a dominant and highly reputable player serving the entire Commonwealth, with a major focus on the Richmond area. They are a certified B Corporation, reflecting a commitment to high social and environmental standards. They are particularly noted for their high-quality system design, energy efficiency assessments, and expertise in both residential and commercial projects.
** The home solar market in Richmond, Virginia, is **robust and growing**, characterized by moderate to high competition among a mix of strong national providers and exceptional local/regional companies. The average quality of installers is high, driven by consumer awareness and the technical requirements of the industry. **Competition Level:** High. Homeowners have multiple reputable options, which helps keep pricing competitive and encourages high service standards. **Typical Pricing:** The average cost for a residential solar system in Richmond ranges from **$15,000 to $30,000+** before incentives, heavily dependent on system size (typically 6kW to 12kW) and equipment choices. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which allows homeowners to deduct 30% of the system cost from their federal taxes, is a major driver. Additionally, Virginia's net metering policies and the state's SREC market provide further financial benefits, improving the return on investment. **Key Differentiators:** In this market, the top providers distinguish themselves not just on price, but on their depth of local knowledge (navigating Dominion Energy's interconnection process and state incentives), the quality of their design and customer service, and the strength of their warranties.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Richmond regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Richmond, Virginia.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Richmond, homeowners can expect an average gross cost between $18,000 and $28,000 before incentives. Crucially, you can claim a 30% federal tax credit, and Virginia offers a state tax credit of up to $2,500. Additionally, Dominion Energy customers benefit from net metering, allowing you to earn bill credits for excess energy sent back to the grid, significantly improving payback time.
Richmond's climate is excellent for solar, with ample sunshine averaging over 200 sunny days per year. Panels are efficient in cooler temperatures, and while summer provides peak production, they still generate significant power on cloudy days and during winter. Seasonal variations are managed through net metering, where summer surpluses offset higher usage in less sunny months, ensuring year-round savings.
Installation requires a building permit from the City of Richmond's Department of Planning and Development Review. Your installer will typically handle this process. Critically, all systems must be inspected and approved by the city and must comply with Dominion Energy's interconnection agreement for grid-tied systems. Virginia's statewide building codes also apply, but there are no restrictive homeowners association (HOA) laws blocking solar installations.
Select a provider with extensive local experience, proper Virginia contractor licensing (Class A, B, or C), and positive reviews on trusted platforms. Ask for references from recent Richmond installations and ensure they handle the full process, including permits, Dominion Energy interconnection, and incentive paperwork. Local companies often have the best knowledge of Richmond's specific roof styles, weather patterns, and inspection processes.
No, in Virginia, a solar energy system is classified as a "energy-efficient device" and is exempt from state and local property tax assessments. This means your property taxes will not increase due to the added value. Furthermore, studies show solar panels increase home resale value; in Richmond's competitive market, this can be a significant selling point, with buyers appreciating the locked-in lower energy costs.