3 best solar companies in Salem, Virginia
Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
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Homefront Local uses a unique algorithm to score solar companies based on important factors like user reviews and how popular they are in your area.
High-quality solar panel installation in Salem, Virginia requires you to select a solar installer with the right certification, expertise and experience. We've assembled a list of the best solar companies in Salem to help you hire the right installer.
Prior to choosing an installer, request referrals from others, assess potential companies and collect multiple quotes to identify the best company for your requirements. You can find a local solar company in Salem or use a well-known national brand.
- Extends 25-year system and labor warranties
- Installs electric vehicle chargers
- Offers strong leasing options
- Extends 25-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Provides solar panel and battery installation
- Offers comprehensive financing
While installing solar panels requires a significant initial investment, it can decrease your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that changing to solar energy allows Salem homeowners to save an average of $1,300 every year.
The services from different solar technicians vary. Be sure to compare companies and get quotes before you schedule your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Salem
Look for Salem solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and other review websites. The company should also have a positive rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Read through reviews to get insight into other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and be on the lookout for consistent bad reviews.
Baseline Solar Solutions
Services Offered
Earth Right Mid-Atlantic
Services Offered
Earth Right Efficiency
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Salem?
Places with different sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like Salem, can still use solar power. The major reasons to adopt solar energy are:
- Save on energy bills: Switching to solar lets you reduce your energy bills. Electricity from solar panels replaces the utility-supplied power you'd normally buy.
- Charge an electric vehicle: With a solar panel system, you can fuel electric vehicles right from your home. Using your own solar power is the surest method to ensure your electric car is running on clean, renewable energy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Going with solar panels shrinks your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be used to supply your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), power generation is one of the top contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about Salem
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Salem?
Based on the results of our survey done in October 2023, the average cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation is influenced by several factors, such as where you live, sunlight exposure, roof direction, shading, system size and labor. Be prepared to pay more if you choose add-ons like batteries, solar trackers or animal guards.
In Salem, solar panel installation costs around $19,518, based on data from the EIA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and NASA.
How much can you save by going solar in Salem?
Installing solar panels means considerable spending upfront, but you can recoup those costs through major reductions in your energy bills down the line.
Money savings in Salem from going solar
After transitioning fully to solar power, Salem homeowners usually see cost savings. However, recovering the initial investment requires time, and things like rain and tree shade impact the timeline for realizing returns on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The typical payback period refers to how long it takes a solar panel system to earn back its initial investment through energy savings. According to our analysis using data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, Salem's average payback period for solar is 15 years.
- Annual solar savings in Salem: Based on calculations that leverage data from the Department of Energy, NASA and the EIA, Salem homeowners save around $1,287 per year with solar energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Over 25 years, you can potentially save $17,235 after transitioning fully to solar, according to our calculations based on data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration and NASA.
Energy savings in Salem from going solar
Beyond cost savings, changing to solar power also lessens your carbon footprint and lowers your environmental impact. Provided below are the approximated CO2 emission reductions you can expect from solar energy, as determined by our analysis of data from NASA and the EPA.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Salem?
Homeowners in Salem can qualify for several solar incentives. A few are available across the state for all Virginia residents, and others are determined by your utility company, municipality and city.
Here are solar incentives available to Virginia residents, according to DSIRE.
| Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
|---|---|
Personal Tax Deduction Income Tax Deduction for Energy-Efficient Products | 20% of the sales tax paid by an individual |
Property Tax Incentive Local Option- Renewable Energy Machinery and Tools Property Tax Exemption | Depends on the local governing body |
Property Tax Incentive Local Option - Residential Property Tax Exemption for Solar | Varies (local option) |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Salem solar installer?
Before choosing a solar panel installation professional, evaluate these important questions.
What size system do you need?
The size of your system is determined by your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households generally use more energy and may require a bigger setup. If the system isn’t large enough, it might fail to generate enough energy to power your entire home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar plans may be impacted by specific permits and state or local laws. You must acquire proper permits through your local building department and coordinate an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not every house gets the same level of sunlight. Nearby trees, precipitation and extreme weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks adequate sunlight, you may need extra panels with increased wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A solar battery enables the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This proves particularly beneficial when you're trying to prevent power loss in overcast weather conditions. The addition of battery storage might bump up the cost of installation.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You can choose from several types of solar panels, each varying in efficiency, design and life expectancy. These factors not only influence the price, but also the speed at which you’ll need to replace panels and the amount of space the panels take up on your roof.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
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