Solar Panel Cost Guide in Buena Vista, VA (2024 Update)
- Buena Vista Solar Installation Cost: $19,613
- 25-Year Savings: $23,569
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Buena Vista
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Buena Vista.
In Buena Vista, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 7.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Buena Vista, the average price of going solar will be about $19,613 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Buena Vista depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With average savings of about $19,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Buena Vista find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installation company in Buena Vista, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Buena Vista
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,014 |
| 3 years | $-14,816 |
| 5 years | $-11,618 |
| 7 years | $-8,420 |
| 9 years | $-5,222 |
| 11 years | $-2,025 |
| 13 years | $1,173 |
| 15 years | $4,371 |
| 17 years | $7,569 |
| 19 years | $10,767 |
| 21 years | $13,965 |
| 23 years | $17,163 |
| 25 years | $20,361 |
Top Solar Installers in Buena Vista
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra energy and know-how. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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
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 Buena Vista
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Buena Vista
There are several criteria that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,590 per kilowatt in Buena Vista.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space 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. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Buena Vista to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Buena Vista is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Additionally, some companies in Buena Vista have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $3.73 | $15,681 | $13,988 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $19,052 | 13.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $24,318 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $29,785 | 12.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $35,453 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $41,321 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $47,391 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $53,662 | 11.4 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through carefully 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.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer high-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
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
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 Buena Vista, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Buena Vista?
The average cost of solar panels in Buena Vista 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Buena Vista?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Buena Vista, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Buena Vista?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.