Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carrollton, VA (2024 Update)
- Carrollton Solar Installation Cost: $19,403
- 25-Year Savings: $20,364
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carrollton
See how much it might cost to go solar in Carrollton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Carrollton, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average Carrollton homeowner needs a 7.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,403 with the federal tax credit, or $27,746 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Carrollton homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Carrollton can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Carrollton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,804 |
| 3 years | $-14,606 |
| 5 years | $-11,408 |
| 7 years | $-8,210 |
| 9 years | $-5,012 |
| 11 years | $-1,814 |
| 13 years | $1,384 |
| 15 years | $4,581 |
| 17 years | $7,779 |
| 19 years | $10,977 |
| 21 years | $14,175 |
| 23 years | $17,373 |
| 25 years | $20,571 |
Top Solar Installers in Carrollton
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and handiness. That's why most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Carrollton:
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 Carrollton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carrollton
While the average cost of a solar system in Carrollton is $19,403, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain 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 higher efficiency. In a city like Carrollton, 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
Most solar companies in Carrollton have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Carrollton, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $11,694 | 14.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $15,993 | 14.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $20,494 | 13.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $25,196 | 13.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $30,099 | 13.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $35,204 | 12.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $40,509 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $46,015 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Carrollton, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Carrollton?
The average cost of solar panels in Carrollton 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 certain factors 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 Carrollton?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Carrollton. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Carrollton?
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 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.