Solar Panel Cost Guide in Centreville, VA (2024 Update)
- Centreville Solar Installation Cost: $20,263
- 25-Year Savings: $21,279
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Centreville
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Centreville.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Centreville typically cost about 4.Because a 8.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Centreville, the average price of going solar will be about $20,263 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Centreville based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Centreville homeowner can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Centreville for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Centreville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,681 |
| 3 years | $-15,517 |
| 5 years | $-12,354 |
| 7 years | $-9,191 |
| 9 years | $-6,027 |
| 11 years | $-2,864 |
| 13 years | $300 |
| 15 years | $3,463 |
| 17 years | $6,627 |
| 19 years | $9,790 |
| 21 years | $12,953 |
| 23 years | $16,117 |
| 25 years | $19,280 |
Top Solar Installers in Centreville
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be challenging. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance in the long run.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system 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 Centreville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Centreville
There are several criteria that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production use 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 $3,590.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Centreville, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Centreville to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can play a part in determining how much you pay. Centreville’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to 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 at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose 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 | $3.73 | $15,681 | $11,703 | 14.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $16,006 | 14.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $20,510 | 13.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $25,215 | 13.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $30,121 | 13.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $35,228 | 12.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $40,537 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $46,046 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company 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:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Centreville, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Centreville?
The average cost of solar panels in Centreville 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.
Can you get solar panels for free in Centreville?
Solar panels aren’t free in Centreville, 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.
Is it worth going solar in Centreville?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power 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 usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.