Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bull Run, VA (2024 Update)
- Bull Run Solar Installation Cost: $20,044
- 25-Year Savings: $19,231
- Payback Period: 14.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bull Run
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Bull Run.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bull Run, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Bull Run, most homeowners require a 8.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $20,044, or $28,663 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $16,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bull Run find going solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Bull Run for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Bull Run
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,745 |
| 3 years | $-16,149 |
| 5 years | $-13,552 |
| 7 years | $-10,956 |
| 9 years | $-8,359 |
| 11 years | $-5,763 |
| 13 years | $-3,166 |
| 15 years | $-570 |
| 17 years | $2,027 |
| 19 years | $4,623 |
| 21 years | $7,220 |
| 23 years | $9,816 |
| 25 years | $12,413 |
Top Solar Installers in Bull Run
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra time and expertise. For that reason, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Bull Run, 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
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 Bull Run
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bull Run
For many Bull Run homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Bull Run, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Bull Run, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Bull Run homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Bull Run homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Bull Run, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $10,335 | 15.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $14,182 | 14.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $18,230 | 14.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $22,480 | 14.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $26,930 | 13.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $31,581 | 13.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $36,433 | 13.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $41,487 | 13.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain 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 opt for.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high 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.
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 Bull Run, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bull Run?
The average cost of solar panels in Bull Run 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Bull Run?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Bull Run. 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.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Bull Run is currently $581,357, so you can look forward to a value of about $23,836 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Bull Run is a rewarding investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.