Solar Panel Cost Guide in Colonial Heights, TN (Mar 2023)
- Colonial Heights Solar Installation Cost: $14,258
- 25-Year Savings: $18,589
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Colonial Heights
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Colonial Heights.
The average cost of solar panels in Colonial Heights is 2.49 per watt. The average Colonial Heights homeowner needs a 8.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,258 with the federal tax credit, or $20,389 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. Despite the large initial cost, the average Colonial Heights homeowner can save around $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Colonial Heights, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Colonial Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,944 |
| 3 years | $-10,316 |
| 5 years | $-7,688 |
| 7 years | $-5,061 |
| 9 years | $-2,433 |
| 11 years | $195 |
| 13 years | $2,823 |
| 15 years | $5,450 |
| 17 years | $8,078 |
| 19 years | $10,706 |
| 21 years | $13,334 |
| 23 years | $15,962 |
| 25 years | $18,589 |
Top Solar Installers in Colonial Heights
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over time.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Colonial Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Colonial Heights
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Colonial Heights: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Colonial Heights, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,490 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Colonial Heights, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Colonial Heights have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Colonial Heights is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.59 | $10,876 | $13,229 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.54 | $14,223 | $17,917 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.49 | $17,430 | $22,745 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.44 | $20,498 | $27,713 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.39 | $23,426 | $32,820 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.34 | $26,215 | $38,066 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.29 | $28,864 | $43,451 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.24 | $31,374 | $48,977 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Colonial Heights, TN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Colonial Heights?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,450 for a 5-kW system and $24,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Colonial Heights?
You can't get solar panels for free in Colonial Heights. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Colonial Heights is currently $175,800, so you could be looking at a value of about $7,208 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Colonial Heights is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much 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 cover 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.