10 best solar companies in McLean, Virginia
Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
Editorial note: Homefront (defined in the Disclosure below) may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations
Read MoreJoin more than 1,246 people who have received a quote in the last 30 days.
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 McLean, Virginia, requires hiring a solar installer that is certified, skilled and experienced. To help you find the perfect team, we’ve assembled a list of the top solar installers in McLean.
Prior to picking an installer, ask others for recommendations, evaluate potential installers and get multiple quotes to find the best company for you. You can pick a local McLean solar company or select 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
Even though solar panels are a significant upfront investment, you can reduce your energy bills over the long run. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that switching to solar energy allows McLean homeowners to save about $1,400 per year.
The offerings from different solar technicians vary. Make sure to compare companies and get quotes before you schedule your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in McLean
Seek out McLean solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and similar review websites. The company should also have a respectable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Looking at previous customer reviews will give you a sense of how other homeowners viewed the company, so be cautious if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
Greenway home improvements
Services Offered
Sky NRG Solar Inc.
Services Offered
GreenBrilliance
Services Offered
Advanced Solar
Services Offered
American Solar Enterprises LLC
Services Offered
EDGE Energy
Services Offered
SunGaze Solar, L.L.C.
Services Offered
Glim Solar
Services Offered
Prospect Solar LLC
Services Offered
Suntuity Solar
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in McLean?
Places with different sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like McLean, can still benefit from solar power. The top reasons to switch to solar power are:
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can fuel electric vehicles using solar power at home. This is the optimal way to verify your electric vehicle is powered by renewable energy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Adopting solar panels shrinks your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be utilized to run your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), power generation ranks among the top contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: Using solar can help reduce your electricity bills. Solar panel systems create power to replace the electricity you would have otherwise purchased from the utility company.
Facts about McLean
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 McLean?
According to our survey conducted in October 2023, the average national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation is influenced by your area, labor costs, system size, roof orientation, shading and sunlight availability. Selecting bonus features such as batteries, animal guards or solar trackers will increase the overall cost.
In McLean, solar panel installation costs an average of $20,263, per data from the EIA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and NASA.
How much can you save by going solar in McLean?
While solar panel installation might be a sizable initial cost, you are positioned to see major savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in McLean from going solar
In McLean, you can expect to save money once you've gone completely to solar. But it takes time to make back the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage impact how soon you'll get a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The payback period refers to the time it takes a solar system to earn back its initial cost. According to our analysis of data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA, the average payback period for solar installations in McLean is 14 years.
- Annual solar savings in McLean: McLean homeowners can expect to save around $1,448 annually on average by switching to solar power, according to our analysis of data from NASA, the EIA and the Department of Energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: According to data we've compiled from the EIA and NASA, by moving completely to solar, you can plan to see a total savings of around $20,682 after 25 years.
Energy savings in McLean from going solar
Switching to solar not only saves money but also lowers your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the projected CO2 emission reductions achievable by going solar.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 58 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 1450 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in McLean?
McLean homeowners can take advantage of various solar incentives. Certain programs are available statewide to all Virginia residents, whereas others vary based on municipality, city and utility company.
The following solar incentives are offered 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 McLean solar installer?
When selecting a solar panel installation professional, first review these key considerations.
What size system do you need?
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio influence the appropriate panel system size for you. More expansive residences tend to use more power and will potentially need bigger solar panel systems. An undersized system risks inadequate energy generation to completely power your home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Required permits and local or state codes could affect your solar project. Be sure to apply for necessary permits through your local building department and schedule an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all residences get the same amounts of sunlight. The tree density, rain levels and extreme weather can impact solar reception. If your home doesn't get sufficient sun, it may require more panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
To conserve excess power, a lot of panel systems include a solar battery. This feature is essential during storms and helps to prevent power loss. However, using battery storage could increase overall installation expenses.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You can select from several types of solar panels, each varying in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These factors not only influence the price, but also how quickly 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.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
Our editors may use AI as an input tool to tailor information in local markets. All content goes through a rigorous research and review process led by our team of writers and editors.
More on this topic...
Our guide explores the best solar companies available. Trinity and Elevation top our list for their services, and Sunrun rounds it out with its leasing options.
solarApr. 23
While you can save money installing DIY solar panels, it’s not a simple home improvement project and does require electrical know-how as well as roofing skills.
solarMar. 27
Sleek and innovative, solar shingles are gaining rapid popularity. They cost more than traditional solar panels but are also more aesthetically pleasing.
solarMar. 25
Solar panels last about 25 years, according to our expert. Our guide explains how to get the most out of your system’s life.
solarMar. 27