Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Somerset, Virginia. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Convert Solar is a leading Virginia-based solar installer known for its high customer satisfaction and comprehensive service offerings. They handle the entire process in-house, from initial design and permitting to installation and maintenance, ensuring a seamless experience. They are particularly strong in explaining and facilitating state and federal incentives.
Ipsun Solar is a employee-owned company (ESOP) with a strong presence in Virginia, focusing on high-quality installations and customer education. They emphasize energy efficiency and offer tailored system designs for both grid-tied and off-grid solutions. Their employee-ownership model often translates to high investment in quality and customer care.
As one of Virginia's most established and largest residential solar companies, Sigora Solar offers significant resources, manufacturer partnerships, and extensive experience. They provide robust warranty options and a wide array of financing plans. Their longevity and volume make them a reliable, though potentially less personalized, option for homeowners.
** The home solar market in Somerset, Virginia, and the surrounding Orange County area is characterized by strong regional competition from well-established Virginia-based companies, rather than a high density of local, hyper-specific contractors. The market quality is generally high, with several providers holding top-tier certifications like NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) and maintaining excellent reputations. Competition is robust, which benefits the consumer through competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. Typical pricing for a residential system in Virginia ranges from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before applying the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). For an average-sized 8 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of **$20,000 to $28,000**. Virginia-specific incentives, such as the net metering policy and sales tax exemption, further improve the return on investment. Homeowners in Somerset are well-positioned to receive quality service from these regional experts who are knowledgeable about both state-level programs and the specific climatic and architectural considerations of Central Virginia.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Somerset regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Somerset, Virginia.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Somerset, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, you can benefit from the 30% federal tax credit and Virginia's state-level incentives, including a sales and use tax exemption for solar equipment. Additionally, Somerset County residents should check for any local property tax exemptions for solar installations, which can enhance long-term savings.
Somerset enjoys a favorable climate for solar, with ample sunny days, particularly in the summer. While winter months see shorter days and potential snow cover, modern panels are efficient in diffuse light and cold temperatures actually improve their conductivity. The key is proper system sizing and tilt to maximize annual production, accounting for our four distinct seasons and ensuring snow slides off panels easily.
Installing solar in Somerset requires compliance with both county and utility regulations. You will need to obtain a building permit from the Somerset County Building Inspection Department and an electrical permit. Furthermore, you must coordinate with your local utility (likely A&N Electric Cooperative or Dominion Energy Virginia) for interconnection approval to ensure your system safely connects to the grid and qualifies for net metering.
Prioritize providers with extensive local experience in Somerset County and Virginia. They should be familiar with the specific permitting process, utility requirements, and optimal designs for our region. Always verify they are licensed, insured, and certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Ask for references from recent local installations and compare detailed proposals from at least three companies.
Standard grid-tied solar systems automatically shut off during a grid outage for safety reasons, to protect utility workers. To have power during an outage in Somerset, you need a solar battery storage system (like a Tesla Powerwall or similar) or a system with a dedicated backup inverter. This is a valuable consideration given our occasional severe storms, and a qualified local installer can design a system with this capability.