Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Sterling, Virginia. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Ipsun Solar is a highly-rated, employee-owned company based in the DC Metro area with a strong focus on Northern Virginia. They are known for personalized service, expert system design, and a comprehensive approach that includes energy efficiency and battery storage. They are certified B-Corp, reflecting a commitment to social and environmental performance.
BlueSel is a leading SunPower Master Dealer, offering high-efficiency solar panels and robust warranties. They have a significant presence in Sterling and Loudoun County, providing full-service design, installation, and financing. Their partnership with SunPower gives them access to top-tier equipment.
A major national player known for its integrated Solar Roof and solar panels. Tesla offers a streamlined online ordering process, competitive pricing, and its proprietary Powerwall battery storage. They serve the Sterling area extensively.
The home solar market in Sterling, Virginia, is robust and highly competitive, driven by favorable state policies like net metering and the federal investment tax credit (ITC). Sterling residents experience above-average electricity costs compared to the national average, making solar an attractive investment. The market features a mix of large national providers (like Tesla) and strong regional installers (like Ipsun and BlueSel) who offer deep local expertise. Competition is high, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and a range of service options. Typical pricing for a residential system ranges from $2.50 to $3.50 per watt before incentives, meaning an average 6 kW system can cost between $15,000 and $21,000 gross. After the 30% federal tax credit, the net cost typically falls between $10,500 and $14,700. The quality of installers is generally high, with many holding certifications from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Sterling regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Sterling, Virginia.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Sterling, the average gross cost ranges from $18,000 to $28,000 before incentives. Crucially, Virginia homeowners benefit from the 30% federal solar tax credit, and Dominion Energy offers a net metering program. Additionally, Virginia has a state sales tax exemption for solar equipment, and Loudoun County may have property tax exemptions, reducing the overall net cost significantly.
Sterling's four-season climate means production peaks in sunny summer months but decreases in shorter, cloudier winter days. However, solar panels operate efficiently in cold weather, and snowfall typically melts quickly off the angled panels. The area receives a solid average of over 200 sunny days per year, making it well-suited for solar, with systems designed to generate ample annual energy to offset your usage across all seasons.
Your installer will typically handle the permitting process, which includes securing a building permit from Loudoun County and ensuring compliance with local zoning ordinances. The system must also pass inspections by the County and meet interconnection requirements from Dominion Energy, your local utility. Sterling-specific regulations may include rules on historic districts or homeowner associations (HOAs), which in Virginia cannot unreasonably restrict solar installations.
Look for providers with strong local experience, proper Virginia contractor licensing (Class A, B, or C), and certifications from organizations like NABCEP. Check reviews on local platforms and ask for references from recent installations in Loudoun County. A reputable local installer will understand Dominion Energy's interconnection process, local weather patterns, and can provide a detailed production estimate specific to your home's orientation and shading.
No, Virginia state law provides a property tax exemption for the added value of solar energy systems, so your Loudoun County property taxes should not increase. Regarding outages, standard grid-tied systems shut off for safety during an outage unless paired with a dedicated battery storage solution (like a Tesla Powerwall). With a battery, you can power critical loads, which is a valuable consideration given Sterling's occasional severe storms.