Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alexandria, VA (2023 Update)
- Alexandria Solar Installation Cost: $15,419
- 25-Year Savings: $20,784
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alexandria
We break down average solar pricing in Alexandria.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Alexandria it's 2.75 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Alexandria is around 8.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,419 for a solar installation, or $22,049 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Alexandria depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. With typical savings of about $17,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Alexandria find installing solar panels can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Alexandria for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Alexandria
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,971 |
| 3 years | $-11,075 |
| 5 years | $-8,178 |
| 7 years | $-5,282 |
| 9 years | $-2,386 |
| 11 years | $510 |
| 13 years | $3,407 |
| 15 years | $6,303 |
| 17 years | $9,199 |
| 19 years | $12,096 |
| 21 years | $14,992 |
| 23 years | $17,888 |
| 25 years | $20,784 |
Top Solar Installers in Alexandria
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy consumption, but working with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Alexandria, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Alexandria
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alexandria
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Alexandria: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Alexandria, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Alexandria, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Alexandria, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.86 | $12,012 | $15,123 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $20,473 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $25,976 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $31,633 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $37,444 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $43,409 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $49,528 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $55,801 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Alexandria, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Alexandria, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Alexandria?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,750 for a 5-kW system and $27,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Alexandria?
A solar panel system isn't free in Alexandria, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is it worth going solar in Alexandria?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Alexandria?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.