Solar Panel Cost Guide in Big Stone Gap, VA (2023 Update)
- Big Stone Gap Solar Installation Cost: $15,766
- 25-Year Savings: $18,266
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Big Stone Gap
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Big Stone Gap.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Big Stone Gap typically cost about 2.75. The average Big Stone Gap homeowner needs a 8.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,766 with the federal tax credit, or $22,545 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installation company in Big Stone Gap, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Big Stone Gap
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,404 |
| 3 years | $-11,682 |
| 5 years | $-8,959 |
| 7 years | $-6,237 |
| 9 years | $-3,514 |
| 11 years | $-792 |
| 13 years | $1,931 |
| 15 years | $4,653 |
| 17 years | $7,376 |
| 19 years | $10,098 |
| 21 years | $12,821 |
| 23 years | $15,543 |
| 25 years | $18,266 |
Top Solar Installers in Big Stone Gap
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Big Stone Gap, optimizing your ROI.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Big Stone Gap, the EcoWatch team has 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 (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Big Stone Gap
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Big Stone Gap
Though the average cost of a solar system in Big Stone Gap is $15,766, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,750. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Big Stone Gap to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Big Stone Gap homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $12,916 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $17,529 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $22,296 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $27,217 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $32,293 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $37,522 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $42,905 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $48,442 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- 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.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part 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 (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Big Stone Gap, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Big Stone Gap?
The average cost of solar panels in Big Stone Gap is about $13,750 for a 5-kW system and $27,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Big Stone Gap?
You can't get solar panels for free in Big Stone Gap. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Big Stone Gap?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.