Solar Panel Cost Guide in Burke Centre, VA (Mar 2023)
- Burke Centre Solar Installation Cost: $15,515
- 25-Year Savings: $21,086
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Burke Centre
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Burke Centre.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Burke Centre, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.75 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Burke Centre is around 8.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,515 for a solar installation, or $22,186 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $17,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Burke Centre
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,051 |
| 3 years | $-11,123 |
| 5 years | $-8,195 |
| 7 years | $-5,267 |
| 9 years | $-2,339 |
| 11 years | $589 |
| 13 years | $3,517 |
| 15 years | $6,445 |
| 17 years | $9,374 |
| 19 years | $12,302 |
| 21 years | $15,230 |
| 23 years | $18,158 |
| 25 years | $21,086 |
Top Solar Installers in Burke Centre
Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Burke Centre:
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 Burke Centre
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Burke Centre
The cost of installing a solar system in Burke Centre can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,750. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Burke Centre, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can impact the cost. Burke Centre's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $15,224 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $20,607 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $26,143 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $31,834 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $37,679 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $43,677 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $49,830 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $56,137 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies 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.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
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 Burke Centre, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Burke Centre?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Burke Centre?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 higher amount 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.