Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carrollton, VA (Mar 2023)
- Carrollton Solar Installation Cost: $14,861
- 25-Year Savings: $20,366
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carrollton
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Carrollton.
The average cost of solar panels in Carrollton is 2.75 per watt. The average Carrollton homeowner needs a 7.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,861 with the federal tax credit, or $21,251 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $17,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Carrollton find going solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Carrollton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,452 |
| 3 years | $-10,634 |
| 5 years | $-7,816 |
| 7 years | $-4,998 |
| 9 years | $-2,179 |
| 11 years | $639 |
| 13 years | $3,457 |
| 15 years | $6,275 |
| 17 years | $9,093 |
| 19 years | $11,911 |
| 21 years | $14,729 |
| 23 years | $17,547 |
| 25 years | $20,366 |
Top Solar Installers in Carrollton
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and know-how. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy consumption, but going with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Carrollton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carrollton
For many Carrollton homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Carrollton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Carrollton, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,750 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Carrollton offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can affect the cost. Carrollton's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $15,363 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $20,792 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $26,374 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $32,111 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $38,002 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $44,047 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $50,246 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $56,599 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Carrollton, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Carrollton?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $912.49 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.