Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ashburn, VA (2023 Update)
- Ashburn Solar Installation Cost: $15,650
- 25-Year Savings: $21,031
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ashburn
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Ashburn.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Ashburn, the average cost of a solar system is 2.75 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Ashburn is around 8.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,650 for a solar installation, or $22,380 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Ashburn homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Ashburn, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ashburn
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,183 |
| 3 years | $-11,249 |
| 5 years | $-8,314 |
| 7 years | $-5,380 |
| 9 years | $-2,445 |
| 11 years | $489 |
| 13 years | $3,424 |
| 15 years | $6,358 |
| 17 years | $9,293 |
| 19 years | $12,227 |
| 21 years | $15,162 |
| 23 years | $18,096 |
| 25 years | $21,031 |
Top Solar Installers in Ashburn
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra time and know-how. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a vetted solar company 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
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 Ashburn
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ashburn
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Ashburn: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,750. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Ashburn, 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 more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Ashburn to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. Ashburn's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting 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 | $2.86 | $12,012 | $15,074 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $20,407 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $25,893 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $31,534 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $37,329 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $43,277 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $49,380 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $55,637 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- 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.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Ashburn, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ashburn?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Ashburn?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily 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 install 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.