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 Fair Oaks, Virginia requires you to select a solar installer with proper certification, expertise and experience. We've created a list of the highest-rated solar companies in Fair Oaks to help you choose the right installer.
Prior to choosing an installer, request referrals from others, vet potential companies and collect multiple quotes to find the ideal company for your requirements. You can find a local solar company in Fair Oaks or select a well-known national brand.
While putting in solar panels requires a large initial investment, it can reduce your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that switching to solar energy enables Fair Oaks homeowners to save an average of $820 every year.
Various solar companies provide different services. Take the time to review each company and get quotes from all before scheduling your solar panel installation.
Seek out Fair Oaks 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).
Read through reviews to understand other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and take note of consistent bad reviews.
Even areas with variable sun amounts, including rainier and overcast places such as Fair Oaks, can still see the benefits of solar panels. Major reasons to consider solar include these:
Based on our survey conducted in October 2023, the typical national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels depends on factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. The cost goes up if you pick any add-ons like batteries, animal guards or solar trackers.
According to statistics from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA the average expense to install solar panels in Fair Oaks is $20,263.
Solar panel installation is a major initial investment, but you can expect to see major savings reflected in your energy bills with time.
After fully switching to solar power, Fair Oaks homeowners typically see cost savings. However, recouping the initial investment requires time, and elements like rain and tree shade impact the timeline for achieving returns on your solar investment.
Beyond cost savings, transitioning to solar power also shrinks your carbon footprint and minimizes your environmental impact. Provided below are the projected CO2 emission reductions you can expect from solar energy, as determined by our analysis of data from NASA and the EPA.
Experts Ready to Help
Homeowners in Fair Oaks can enjoy several solar incentives. Some are available across the state for all Virginia residents, and others are based on your utility company, municipality and city.
The following solar incentives are available for Virginia residents, as listed in 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. |
When selecting a professional solar panel installation company, first review these important questions.
The right solar system size for you is based on how much energy your household utilizes, as well as the system's energy production ratio. Houses with higher energy demands often need bigger solar setups. If the system isn't expansive enough, it may fail to generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Specific permits and state or local regulations could affect your solar project. You’ll need to apply for the required permits through your local building department and arrange an inspection.
Not every house gets the same level of sunlight. Trees, rain and harsh weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks enough sunlight, you may need extra panels with increased wattage.
Many solar panel systems offer a battery. Solar batteries hold extra power, which is incredibly helpful when you want to avoid power loss when there's no sunshine. Installing battery storage could raise the overall expense.
You can choose from several types of solar panels, each differing in efficiency, life expectancy and design. 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.
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
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