Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bluefield, VA (Mar 2023)
- Bluefield Solar Installation Cost: $15,900
- 25-Year Savings: $20,040
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bluefield
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Bluefield.
In Bluefield, solar panels cost about 2.75 per watt on average. Because a 8.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Bluefield, the average price of going solar will be about $15,900 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Bluefield homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Bluefield that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Bluefield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,463 |
| 3 years | $-11,588 |
| 5 years | $-8,712 |
| 7 years | $-5,837 |
| 9 years | $-2,962 |
| 11 years | $-87 |
| 13 years | $2,788 |
| 15 years | $5,664 |
| 17 years | $8,539 |
| 19 years | $11,414 |
| 21 years | $14,289 |
| 23 years | $17,164 |
| 25 years | $20,040 |
Top Solar Installers in Bluefield
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and handiness. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your family.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Bluefield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bluefield
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost 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 cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,750. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Bluefield homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $14,094 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $19,099 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $24,259 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $29,573 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $35,041 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $40,663 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $46,439 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $52,368 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose greatly influences your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
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 Bluefield, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bluefield?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,750 for a 5-kW system and $27,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Bluefield?
You can't get solar panels for free in Bluefield. 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.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.