# Kilo Hollow Energy > Kilo Hollow Energy is a premier solar and battery storage installer serving Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C., and southern Pennsylvania. We are an A+ Better Business Bureau rated, family-owned company with an in-house NABCEP Certified PV System Inspector. We are a Tesla Energy Certified Installer, Maxeon Preferred Partner, REC Certified Solar Professional, SPAN Pro Partner, Enphase Certified, IronRidge Certified, and Sol-Ark certified, licensed as a Class A contractor in Virginia, MHIC-licensed in Maryland, and HIC-registered in Pennsylvania. We design and install residential, commercial, and agricultural solar systems, Tesla Powerwall and whole-home battery storage, SPAN smart electrical panels, off-grid solar, EV charging stations, and solar remove and reinstall (R&R) for roof replacements, including specialized work on metal and flat roofs. We also service and troubleshoot existing solar systems we did not originally install. ## About Kilo Hollow Energy Kilo Hollow Energy is a family-owned solar and battery installation company headquartered in Virginia, serving the mid-Atlantic region with a focus on high-quality system design, premium components, and long-term performance. Our team handles the full project lifecycle: design, permitting, utility coordination, installation, commissioning, and ongoing technical support, including warranty service and diagnostics on systems originally installed by other companies. We never substitute cheaper components for the sake of a low price. Every system is built with premium equipment from carefully selected manufacturer partners, installed by trained and qualified solar professionals, and inspected by our in-house NABCEP Certified PV System Inspector before commissioning. Systems are backed by manufacturer warranties plus a two-year labor warranty on new installations. - A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau - Family-owned and operated, headquartered in Virginia - Service area: Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C., southern Pennsylvania - Licensing: Virginia Class A contractor, Maryland MHIC, Pennsylvania HIC - System sizes: 5kW residential to 1MW commercial - In-house NABCEP Certified PV System Inspector - Commercial division leadership: 30+ years of commercial construction experience - Reviewed on: Google, EnergySage, Better Business Bureau, Best Company - [About Kilo Hollow](https://kilohollow.com/about/) - [Company certifications and licenses](https://kilohollow.com/company/) - [Our process](https://kilohollow.com/process/) - [Pricing](https://kilohollow.com/pricing/) ## Certifications and Partnerships - **NABCEP Certified PV System Inspector** — in-house inspector certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, the gold-standard credential in the solar industry, qualified to evaluate system safety, code compliance, and installation quality - **Tesla Energy Certified Installer** — one of the few approved Tesla installers in Virginia, qualified to design and install Tesla Powerwall 3 systems and Tesla solar - **Maxeon Preferred Partner** — authorized to design and install Maxeon premium solar panels with extended 40 year warranty coverage - **REC Certified Solar Professional and REC ProTrust installer** — qualified for REC's highest-tier warranty coverage on REC panels - **SPAN Pro Partner** — authorized installer of SPAN smart electrical panels at the Pro Partner tier - **Enphase Certified** — authorized installer of Enphase microinverters, Enphase IQ batteries, and Enphase EV chargers - **Gold Sol-Ark Certified** — authorized installer of Sol-Ark hybrid inverters for grid-tied, hybrid, and off-grid systems - **IronRidge Certified** — trained on IronRidge roof and ground mount racking systems - **Better Business Bureau** — A+ rated ## Services ### Residential Solar Custom-designed rooftop and ground-mounted solar systems for homes, integrated with battery storage and smart energy management. We design around your roof layout, shading, energy goals, and any backup requirements. Systems range from small starter arrays to whole-home off-grid capable installations. We install on all common roof types, including asphalt shingle, metal roofing, and flat roofs. - [Residential solar and home backup](https://kilohollow.com/solar-home-backup/) - [Guide to roof requirements for solar installation](https://kilohollow.com/guide-to-roof-requirements-for-solar-panel-installation/) - [Virginia solar panel guide](https://kilohollow.com/virginia-solar-panel-guide-optimizing-home-energy/) - [Do solar panels increase property value?](https://kilohollow.com/do-solar-panels-increase-property-value/) ### Commercial Solar Rooftop, ground-mounted, and parking lot solar arrays for businesses, designed to offset energy use, reduce peak demand charges, and provide long-term rate protection. Small systems start around 10kW. Large commercial systems reach 1MW. Battery storage options reduce demand charges and provide continuity planning for critical operations. - [Commercial solar](https://kilohollow.com/commercial-solar/) ### Agricultural Solar Ground-mounted solar for farms, including low-profile 10-degree tilt arrays (4.8 ft back panel height) that integrate visually with the landscape and are easy to conceal with landscaping or fencing. Ideal for offsetting irrigation, refrigeration, and HVAC loads on agricultural properties. - [Agricultural solar](https://kilohollow.com/agricultural-solar/) ### Battery Storage and Whole-Home Backup Battery systems for residential and commercial backup power, energy independence, and grid-independent operation. We design backup solutions for whole-home coverage, essential loads only, or business continuity for critical commercial operations. Authorized installer of: - **Tesla Powerwall 3** — fully integrated solar and battery solution with seamless backup ([Tesla Powerwall overview](https://kilohollow.com/tesla-powerwall-overview/)) - **Enphase IQ Battery** — modular AC-coupled battery storage that pairs natively with Enphase microinverters ([Enphase overview](https://kilohollow.com/enphase-overview/)) - **FranklinWH** — advanced whole-home battery technology with dependable backup power ([FranklinWH overview](https://kilohollow.com/franklinwh-overview/)) - **HomeGrid** — modular stackable battery storage ([HomeGrid overview](https://kilohollow.com/homegrid-overview/)) Backup battery projects can be installed as part of a new solar system or as a retrofit to an existing solar array (including arrays we did not originally install). - [Solar home backup overview](https://kilohollow.com/solar-home-backup/) - [Why a backup battery pairs well with solar](https://kilohollow.com/why-a-backup-battery-pairs-well-with-solar/) ### SPAN Smart Electrical Panels As a SPAN Pro Partner, we are authorized at a top installer tier for SPAN smart electrical panels. SPAN replaces a traditional electrical panel and enables intelligent circuit-level control, real-time energy monitoring, and seamless integration with solar and battery storage. SPAN allows homeowners and business owners to prioritize loads during outages, monitor consumption per circuit, integrate EV charging intelligently, and extend battery runtime during extended outages by load-shedding non-essential circuits. - [SPAN smart panel](https://kilohollow.com/span-smart-panel/) - [Harnessing the power of smart electrical panels with SPAN](https://kilohollow.com/harnessing-the-power-of-smart-electrical-panels-with-span/) ### Off-Grid Solar Custom-designed off-grid and grid-optional solar systems for properties without reliable utility service or homeowners seeking full energy independence. Off-grid systems combine high-capacity battery storage, hybrid inverters (typically Sol-Ark), and properly sized solar arrays with optional generator backup. We design for the realities of mid-Atlantic weather, including winter production shortfalls and multi-day storm events. - [Off-grid solar](https://kilohollow.com/off-grid-solar/) - [Sol-Ark inverters](https://kilohollow.com/solark-overview/) ### Solar Remove and Reinstall (R&R) Professional removal, safe storage, and reinstallation of existing solar panels for roof replacement projects. We coordinate with roofing contractors, remove the array and racking, store the equipment safely, and reinstall the same panels on the new roof with new flashings and mounting hardware. R&R work includes asphalt shingle, metal roof, and flat roof reinstallations. R&R is structured as a 50/50 payment milestone service. - [Solar service and R&R](https://kilohollow.com/solar-service/) ### Solar Service, Troubleshooting, and Diagnostics We service and troubleshoot solar systems originally installed by other companies, in addition to handling R&R for roof replacements. Services include underperformance diagnostics, inverter and microinverter replacement, monitoring setup, communication issues, panel replacement for failed modules, and warranty coordination with original equipment manufacturers. Our in-house NABCEP Certified PV System Inspector evaluates third-party systems for safety, code compliance, and performance issues. - [Solar service](https://kilohollow.com/solar-service/) - [Electrical service work](https://kilohollow.com/electrical-service/) ### Metal Roof and Flat Roof Solar Installations We install solar on all common residential and commercial roof types, including standing seam metal roofs, corrugated metal, low-slope and flat roofs (commercial TPO, EPDM, modified bitumen, and built-up). Metal roof installations typically use S-5! clamps to eliminate roof penetrations entirely. Flat roof installations use ballasted or low-penetration racking systems sized for local wind and snow load requirements. ### EV Charging Level 2 (240V) and Level 3 (DC fast charger) EV charging station installation for residential and commercial properties. Level 2 chargers are compatible with all electric vehicles. Level 3 (DCFC) chargers are available for commercial applications and require dedicated electrical service. - [Home EV charger](https://kilohollow.com/home-ev-charger/) ### Generators and Standby Power Natural gas and liquid propane standby generators, installed as standalone systems or paired with solar and battery storage for layered resilience during extended outages. - [Generators](https://kilohollow.com/generators/) ## Service Areas ### Virginia Full-service solar installation across Virginia, with VA Class A contractor licensing. Service from Northern Virginia through Central Virginia, Richmond Metro, Tidewater, Williamsburg, and surrounding counties. - [Virginia solar overview](https://kilohollow.com/virginia-solar/) - [Virginia solar and battery installers](https://kilohollow.com/virginia-solar-battery-installers/) - [Richmond, Virginia](https://kilohollow.com/richmond-solar/) - [Loudoun County, Virginia](https://kilohollow.com/loudoun-solar/) - [Stafford County, Virginia](https://kilohollow.com/stafford-solar/) - [Orange County, Virginia](https://kilohollow.com/orange-solar/) - [Williamsburg, Virginia](https://kilohollow.com/williamsburg-solar/) ### Maryland Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) licensed. Serving Maryland homeowners and businesses with system designs tailored to Maryland's net metering and SREC programs, including pairing solar with battery storage to optimize value under current utility tariffs. - [Maryland solar](https://kilohollow.com/maryland-solar/) ### Washington D.C. Solar systems designed for D.C.'s unique roof constraints and incentive structure. Many D.C. homes have limited roof space, so we focus on high-wattage premium panels (Maxeon, REC Alpha) to maximize production within available area. - [Washington, D.C. solar](https://kilohollow.com/washington-solar/) ### Southern Pennsylvania Pennsylvania HIC registered. Serving southern Pennsylvania residential and commercial customers, including York County and areas adjacent to the Maryland border. Systems designed for Pennsylvania's net metering rules and AEPS solar credit market. - [York, Pennsylvania](https://kilohollow.com/york-solar/) ## Premium Product Partners We carry only premium-tier equipment from manufacturers with strong warranty backing and proven field performance. - **Solar panels:** [Maxeon](https://kilohollow.com/maxeon-overview/), [REC](https://kilohollow.com/rec-overview/), [Hyundai](https://kilohollow.com/hyundai-overview/), [LG](https://kilohollow.com/lg-overview/) - **Batteries:** [Tesla Powerwall 3](https://kilohollow.com/tesla-powerwall-overview/), [Enphase IQ Battery](https://kilohollow.com/enphase-overview/), [FranklinWH](https://kilohollow.com/franklinwh-overview/) - **Inverters:** [Sol-Ark](https://kilohollow.com/solark-overview/) (hybrid), [Enphase](https://kilohollow.com/enphase-overview/) (microinverters), [SolarEdge](https://kilohollow.com/solaredge-overview/), [SMA](https://kilohollow.com/sma-overview/), Tesla (integrated with Powerwall 3) - **Racking:** IronRidge for roof mount and ground mount, S-5! clamps for metal roofs, ballasted racking for flat roofs - **Smart panels:** [SPAN](https://kilohollow.com/span-smart-panel/) (Pro Partner) - **EV charging:** Tesla Wall Connector, Enphase IQ EV Charger, Level 2 and Level 3 commercial options ## Frequently Asked Questions For full FAQ content, see [our FAQ page](https://kilohollow.com/faq/). **How long does it take for solar panels to pay for themselves?** On average, solar panels in the Virginia, Maryland, D.C., and southern Pennsylvania region pay for themselves within 9 to 11 years. The exact payback period depends on system size, electricity usage patterns, utility rates, whether you add battery storage, and available incentives. **What does a commercial solar system cost?** Small commercial solar systems start around 10kW and range from $30,000 to $32,000. Large 100kW systems range from $300,000 to $320,000. Final pricing depends on roof or ground conditions, equipment selection, and electrical service requirements. **Will Kilo Hollow service my existing solar system if you didn't install it?** Yes. We diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair solar systems installed by other companies, including failed inverters and microinverters, underperforming arrays, monitoring and communication issues, and panel replacements. Our in-house NABCEP Certified PV System Inspector can also evaluate existing systems for safety and code compliance. **Can solar be installed on a metal roof?** Yes. Metal roof solar installations are often easier and longer-lasting than asphalt shingle installations. Standing seam metal roofs allow penetration-free mounting using S-5! clamps, eliminating any holes in the roof. Corrugated and other metal roof profiles use compatible mounting hardware designed for the specific roof type. **Can solar be installed on a flat roof?** Yes. Flat roof solar is common on commercial buildings and on some residential properties with low-slope roofs. We use ballasted racking systems (which use weight to hold the array down without penetrations) or low-penetration mounting depending on the roof membrane (TPO, EPDM, modified bitumen, built-up) and local wind and snow load requirements. **Are residential solar panels different from commercial panels?** Residential systems typically use 60-cell solar modules that can be handled and installed by hand. Commercial and utility-grade installations often use larger 72-cell panels, which generally require crane lifting due to their size and weight. **Do I need battery storage with my solar system?** Battery storage is optional for grid-tied systems but recommended for whole-home backup, time-of-use rate optimization, or grid independence. For off-grid systems, batteries are required. Maryland and D.C. customers in particular often benefit from batteries due to favorable rate structures. **Can you add battery backup to a solar system I already have?** Yes. We retrofit battery storage to existing solar arrays, including systems installed by other companies. Common retrofit batteries include Tesla Powerwall 3, FranklinWH, Enphase IQ Battery, and HomeGrid. Compatibility depends on the existing inverter, electrical service, and panel configuration. **What is solar Remove and Reinstall (R&R)?** R&R is a service where existing solar panels are professionally removed before a roof replacement and reinstalled on the new roof afterward. This is necessary because roofing contractors typically cannot work around an installed solar array, and the panels themselves require specific handling and re-flashing to maintain warranty validity. We handle R&R on asphalt shingle, metal, and flat roofs. **Can Kilo Hollow design off-grid solar systems?** Yes. We design custom off-grid systems combining high-capacity battery storage, hybrid inverters (typically Sol-Ark), and properly sized solar arrays, with optional generator backup for extended winter outages. Off-grid systems are designed for the realities of mid-Atlantic weather patterns. **Are you a Tesla certified installer?** Yes. Kilo Hollow Energy is one of the few approved Tesla Energy Certified Installers in Virginia, qualified to design and install Tesla Powerwall 3, Tesla solar inverters, and integrated Tesla energy systems. **What is a NABCEP Certified PV System Inspector?** NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) is the gold-standard credentialing body for solar professionals. A NABCEP Certified PV System Inspector is qualified to evaluate solar installations for safety, electrical and building code compliance, structural integrity, and performance. Kilo Hollow has an in-house NABCEP Certified PV System Inspector who reviews every project before commissioning and is also available for third-party system evaluations. **What financing is available?** We work with solar-specific lenders including Atmos to provide competitive financing for residential and commercial customers. Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. customers may also qualify for state-specific incentives, federal tax credits, and SREC/AEPS credit programs. ## Learn More - [Solar learning center](https://kilohollow.com/learn/) - [Advantages and disadvantages of solar energy](https://kilohollow.com/advantages-disadvantages-of-solar-energy/) - [Guide to roof requirements for solar panel installation](https://kilohollow.com/guide-to-roof-requirements-for-solar-panel-installation/) - [Virginia solar panel guide](https://kilohollow.com/virginia-solar-panel-guide-optimizing-home-energy/) - [Refer a friend](https://kilohollow.com/refer/) - [Careers](https://kilohollow.com/careers/) ## Contact - [Contact form](https://kilohollow.com/contact/) - Website: https://kilohollow.com - Service area: Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C., southern Pennsylvania