Solar Panel Cost Guide in Virginia, MN (2023 Update)
- Virginia Solar Installation Cost: $15,142
- 25-Year Savings: $19,923
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Virginia
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Virginia.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Virginia typically cost around 2.84. Because a 7.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Virginia, the average price of going solar will be about $15,149 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Virginia depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Virginia can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Virginia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,025 |
| 3 years | $-14,792 |
| 5 years | $-14,558 |
| 7 years | $-14,324 |
| 9 years | $-14,090 |
| 11 years | $-13,857 |
| 13 years | $-13,623 |
| 15 years | $-13,389 |
| 17 years | $-13,155 |
| 19 years | $-12,922 |
| 21 years | $-12,688 |
| 23 years | $-12,454 |
| 25 years | $-12,220 |
Top Solar Installers in Virginia
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra labor and knowledge. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Virginia, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Virginia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Virginia
There are several criteria that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,840 per kilowatt in Virginia. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Virginia, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Virginia is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.95 | $12,405 | $15,216 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $20,607 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $26,156 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $31,864 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $37,731 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $43,758 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $49,943 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $56,288 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Virginia, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Virginia?
The average cost of solar panels in Virginia is about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Virginia, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.