Solar Panel Cost Guide in Blacksburg, VA (2024 Update)
- Blacksburg Solar Installation Cost: $19,812
- 25-Year Savings: $23,309
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Blacksburg
We go over average solar pricing in Blacksburg.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Blacksburg typically cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 7.9-kW system would cost about $19,812 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Blacksburg homeowners see about $19,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Blacksburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,392 |
| 3 years | $-15,552 |
| 5 years | $-12,713 |
| 7 years | $-9,874 |
| 9 years | $-7,034 |
| 11 years | $-4,195 |
| 13 years | $-1,355 |
| 15 years | $1,484 |
| 17 years | $4,323 |
| 19 years | $7,163 |
| 21 years | $10,002 |
| 23 years | $12,842 |
| 25 years | $15,681 |
Top Solar Installers in Blacksburg
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be useful as well, especially if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
Working with a vetted solar installer 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 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 Blacksburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Blacksburg
The cost of installing a solar system in Blacksburg can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation require 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.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Blacksburg provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Blacksburg, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, 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 | $13,608 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $18,546 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $23,686 | 12.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $29,026 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $34,567 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $40,309 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $46,253 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $52,397 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like 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
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 Blacksburg, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Blacksburg?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Blacksburg?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Blacksburg?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Blacksburg?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.