Solar Panel Cost Guide in Burke Centre, VA (2023 Update)
- Burke Centre Solar Installation Cost: $15,521
- 25-Year Savings: $21,080
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Burke Centre
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Burke Centre.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Burke Centre it's 2.75 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 8.1-kW system would cost about $15,515 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Burke Centre homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $17,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar company in Burke Centre, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Burke Centre
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,923 |
| 3 years | $-10,725 |
| 5 years | $-7,527 |
| 7 years | $-4,329 |
| 9 years | $-1,131 |
| 11 years | $2,067 |
| 13 years | $5,265 |
| 15 years | $8,463 |
| 17 years | $11,660 |
| 19 years | $14,858 |
| 21 years | $18,056 |
| 23 years | $21,254 |
| 25 years | $24,452 |
Top Solar Installers in Burke Centre
Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Burke Centre
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Burke Centre
For many Burke Centre homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Burke Centre, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Burke Centre, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Burke Centre homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Burke Centre homeowners, they can also increase 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 solar company you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Burke Centre, and each can charge varying amounts 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 come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within 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 | $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
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- 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.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Burke Centre, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Burke Centre?
The average cost of solar panels in Burke Centre is about $13,750 for a 5-kW system and $27,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Burke Centre?
A solar panel system isn't free in Burke Centre, 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 can help lower the cost.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
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 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 decreases 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.