Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bull Run, VA (2023 Update)
- Bull Run Solar Installation Cost: $15,361
- 25-Year Savings: $19,223
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bull Run
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Bull Run.
The average cost of solar panels in Bull Run is 2.75 per watt. The average Bull Run homeowner needs a 8.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,361 with the federal tax credit, or $21,966 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Bull Run based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Bull Run can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Bull Run for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Bull Run
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,978 |
| 3 years | $-11,211 |
| 5 years | $-8,445 |
| 7 years | $-5,678 |
| 9 years | $-2,911 |
| 11 years | $-144 |
| 13 years | $2,622 |
| 15 years | $5,389 |
| 17 years | $8,156 |
| 19 years | $10,923 |
| 21 years | $13,689 |
| 23 years | $16,456 |
| 25 years | $19,223 |
Top Solar Installers in Bull Run
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar company since handling can be a challenging project. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Bull Run, thereby optimizing your ROI.
Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Bull Run
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bull Run
There are a number of criteria that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,750 per kilowatt in Bull Run. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Bull Run average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Bull Run have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can influence your pricing. Bull Run's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $14,004 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $18,980 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $24,110 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $29,394 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $34,832 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $40,425 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $46,171 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $52,071 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Bull Run, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bull Run?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Bull Run?
Solar panels aren't free in Bull Run, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
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 Bull Run is currently $293,400, so you could be looking at a value of about $12,029 more than houses without a solar system. The specific 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, 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.