Solar Panel Cost Guide in Big Stone Gap, VA (2024 Update)
- Big Stone Gap Solar Installation Cost: $20,584
- 25-Year Savings: $18,263
- Payback Period: 15.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Big Stone Gap
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Big Stone Gap.
In Big Stone Gap, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Big Stone Gap homeowner needs a 8.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,584 with the federal tax credit, or $29,435 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Big Stone Gap based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Big Stone Gap
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,165 |
| 3 years | $-16,325 |
| 5 years | $-13,486 |
| 7 years | $-10,646 |
| 9 years | $-7,807 |
| 11 years | $-4,968 |
| 13 years | $-2,128 |
| 15 years | $711 |
| 17 years | $3,551 |
| 19 years | $6,390 |
| 21 years | $9,229 |
| 23 years | $12,069 |
| 25 years | $14,908 |
Top Solar Installers in Big Stone Gap
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, especially if you don’t quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Big Stone Gap
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Big Stone Gap
For many Big Stone Gap homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Big Stone Gap, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Big Stone Gap, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,590 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Big Stone Gap, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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 Big Stone Gap to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, 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 a higher cost over time because of interest.While solar loans make adopting 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 make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $9,247 | 15.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $12,731 | 15.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $16,416 | 15.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $20,303 | 14.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $24,390 | 14.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $28,678 | 14.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $33,168 | 13.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $37,858 | 13.6 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. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like to install plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
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 Big Stone Gap, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Big Stone Gap?
The average cost of solar panels in Big Stone Gap 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Big Stone Gap?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation 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?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of 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 get 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.