Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bluefield, VA (2024 Update)
- Bluefield Solar Installation Cost: $20,758
- 25-Year Savings: $20,039
- Payback Period: 14.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bluefield
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Bluefield.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bluefield it’s 4 per watt.Since a 8.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Bluefield, the average price of going solar will be about $20,758 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Bluefield homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bluefield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,338 |
| 3 years | $-16,499 |
| 5 years | $-13,660 |
| 7 years | $-10,820 |
| 9 years | $-7,981 |
| 11 years | $-5,141 |
| 13 years | $-2,302 |
| 15 years | $537 |
| 17 years | $3,377 |
| 19 years | $6,216 |
| 21 years | $9,056 |
| 23 years | $11,895 |
| 25 years | $14,734 |
Top Solar Installers in Bluefield
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a dangerous task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another good thing about going with a reputable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
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 Bluefield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bluefield
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Bluefield: 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 panel system you need, 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 about $3,590. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bluefield to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, 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 higher prices over time because of interest.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may notice 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 specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $10,424 | 15.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $14,301 | 14.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $18,379 | 14.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $22,658 | 14.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $27,138 | 13.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $31,819 | 13.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $36,701 | 13.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $41,784 | 13.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system 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 a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When looking over 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.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Bluefield, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bluefield?
The average cost of solar panels in Bluefield is about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Bluefield?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Bluefield. However, you may still be able to afford 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.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Bluefield is currently $123,281, which means you can look forward to a value of about $5,055 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Bluefield is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.