Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alexandria, VA (2024 Update)
- Alexandria Solar Installation Cost: $20,117
- 25-Year Savings: $20,794
- Payback Period: 13.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alexandria
We go over average solar pricing in Alexandria.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Alexandria it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Alexandria is around 8.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,117 for a solar installation, or $28,767 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Alexandria homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $17,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Alexandria find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Alexandria for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Alexandria
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,518 |
| 3 years | $-15,320 |
| 5 years | $-12,122 |
| 7 years | $-8,924 |
| 9 years | $-5,726 |
| 11 years | $-2,528 |
| 13 years | $670 |
| 15 years | $3,867 |
| 17 years | $7,065 |
| 19 years | $10,263 |
| 21 years | $13,461 |
| 23 years | $16,659 |
| 25 years | $19,857 |
Top Solar Installers in Alexandria
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, especially if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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
See all of the solar companies in Alexandria
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alexandria
For many Alexandria homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Alexandria, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Alexandria, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,590 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Alexandria average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Alexandria, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Alexandria, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.73 | $15,681 | $11,454 | 14.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $15,675 | 14.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $20,096 | 13.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $24,718 | 13.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $29,541 | 13.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $34,566 | 13.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $39,791 | 12.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $45,217 | 12.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Alexandria, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you’d like plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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
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 variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Alexandria?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Alexandria is currently $612,327, which means you could be looking at a value of about $25,105 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Alexandria is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.