Solar Panel Cost Guide in Altavista, VA (2023 Update)
- Altavista Solar Installation Cost: $14,782
- 25-Year Savings: $24,067
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Altavista
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Altavista.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Altavista is 2.75 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.7-kW system would cost about $14,784 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $19,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Altavista find installing solar panels can pay off big.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Altavista
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,183 |
| 3 years | $-9,985 |
| 5 years | $-6,787 |
| 7 years | $-3,589 |
| 9 years | $-392 |
| 11 years | $2,806 |
| 13 years | $6,004 |
| 15 years | $9,202 |
| 17 years | $12,400 |
| 19 years | $15,598 |
| 21 years | $18,796 |
| 23 years | $21,994 |
| 25 years | $25,192 |
Top Solar Installers in Altavista
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra energy and handiness. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Altavista
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Altavista
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Altavista: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,750. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Altavista, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Altavista homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Altavista, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $2.86 | $12,012 | $18,343 | 9.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $24,765 | 9.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $31,341 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $38,072 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $44,956 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $51,994 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $59,187 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $66,533 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Altavista, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Altavista, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Altavista?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,750 for a 5-kW system and $27,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Altavista?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Does Altavista have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 household 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.