Solar Panel Cost Guide in Centreville, VA (2023 Update)
- Centreville Solar Installation Cost: $15,515
- 25-Year Savings: $21,285
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Centreville
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Centreville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Centreville it's 2.75 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Centreville is around 8.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,515 for a solar installation, or $22,186 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. With average savings of about $17,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Centreville find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Centreville that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Centreville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,043 |
| 3 years | $-11,099 |
| 5 years | $-8,155 |
| 7 years | $-5,211 |
| 9 years | $-2,267 |
| 11 years | $677 |
| 13 years | $3,621 |
| 15 years | $6,565 |
| 17 years | $9,509 |
| 19 years | $12,453 |
| 21 years | $15,397 |
| 23 years | $18,341 |
| 25 years | $21,285 |
Top Solar Installers in Centreville
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be invaluable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Centreville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Centreville
Although the average cost of a solar system in Centreville is $15,515, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,750. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions 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 looking into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Centreville offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Centreville know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $15,372 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $20,804 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $26,390 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $32,130 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $38,024 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $44,072 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $50,274 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $56,630 | 9.5 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 difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Centreville, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Centreville?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Centreville?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Centreville?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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 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.