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
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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 Bellwood homeowner needs a 7.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,466 with the federal tax credit, or $27,836 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember 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 needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $18,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bellwood find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
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
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Another benefit of going with a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your return of investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Bellwood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bellwood
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Bellwood: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,590. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Bellwood homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can affect how much you pay. Bellwood’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $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
The solar installer you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:
- 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 how long it will take.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
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 Bellwood, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bellwood?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Bellwood?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often 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 get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Bellwood?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 cover 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.