Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bellwood, VA (2024 Update)
- Bellwood Solar Installation Cost: $19,466
- 25-Year Savings: $21,293
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bellwood
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Bellwood.
In Bellwood, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Bellwood is around 7.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,466 for a solar installation, or $27,836 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Bellwood for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Bellwood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,867 |
| 3 years | $-14,669 |
| 5 years | $-11,471 |
| 7 years | $-8,273 |
| 9 years | $-5,075 |
| 11 years | $-1,877 |
| 13 years | $1,321 |
| 15 years | $4,518 |
| 17 years | $7,716 |
| 19 years | $10,914 |
| 21 years | $14,112 |
| 23 years | $17,310 |
| 25 years | $20,508 |
Top Solar Installers in Bellwood
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and knowledge. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, opting for a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Bellwood, 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
See all of the solar companies in Bellwood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bellwood
There are many criteria that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,590.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Bellwood homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can influence how much it costs. Bellwood’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and better 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 companies.
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 | $12,362 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $16,884 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $21,608 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $26,533 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $31,659 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $36,986 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $42,513 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $48,242 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of 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 good reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Bellwood, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bellwood?
The average cost of solar panels in Bellwood is about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Bellwood?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Bellwood?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.