Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cascades, VA (Mar 2023)
- Cascades Solar Installation Cost: $15,650
- 25-Year Savings: $20,554
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cascades
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Cascades.
The average cost of a solar system in Cascades is 2.75 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 8.1-kW system would cost about $15,650 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Cascades 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. With typical savings of about $17,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Cascades find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Cascades, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cascades
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,202 |
| 3 years | $-11,306 |
| 5 years | $-8,410 |
| 7 years | $-5,513 |
| 9 years | $-2,617 |
| 11 years | $279 |
| 13 years | $3,176 |
| 15 years | $6,072 |
| 17 years | $8,968 |
| 19 years | $11,865 |
| 21 years | $14,761 |
| 23 years | $17,657 |
| 25 years | $20,554 |
Top Solar Installers in Cascades
Installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your family.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Cascades
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cascades
For many Cascades homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Cascades, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,750. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Cascades have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Cascades, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $14,722 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $19,937 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $25,306 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $30,829 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $36,506 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $42,337 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $48,323 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $54,462 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Cascades, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cascades?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Cascades?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Cascades?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.