Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brandermill, VA (2023 Update)
- Brandermill Solar Installation Cost: $14,911
- 25-Year Savings: $23,350
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brandermill
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Brandermill.
The average cost of a solar system in Brandermill is 2.75 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Brandermill is around 7.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,919 for a solar installation, or $21,334 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Brandermill, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Brandermill
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,312 |
| 3 years | $-10,114 |
| 5 years | $-6,916 |
| 7 years | $-3,718 |
| 9 years | $-521 |
| 11 years | $2,677 |
| 13 years | $5,875 |
| 15 years | $9,073 |
| 17 years | $12,271 |
| 19 years | $15,469 |
| 21 years | $18,667 |
| 23 years | $21,865 |
| 25 years | $25,062 |
Top Solar Installers in Brandermill
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Brandermill, the EcoWatch team has put together 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
See all of the solar companies in Brandermill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brandermill
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Brandermill: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Brandermill, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,750 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Brandermill homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Brandermill homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. 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 choose will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Brandermill have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $17,624 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $23,807 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $30,144 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $36,635 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $43,280 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $50,078 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $57,031 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $64,138 | 8.8 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- 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 large role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Brandermill, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Brandermill?
The average cost of solar panels in Brandermill is about $13,750 for a 5-kW system and $27,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Brandermill?
You can't get solar panels for free in Brandermill. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Brandermill have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 level 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.