Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chantilly, VA (2023 Update)
- Chantilly Solar Installation Cost: $15,521
- 25-Year Savings: $21,159
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chantilly
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Chantilly.
In Chantilly, solar panels cost about 2.75 per watt on average. The average Chantilly homeowner needs a 8.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,515 with the federal tax credit, or $22,186 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Chantilly homeowner can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chantilly
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,923 |
| 3 years | $-10,725 |
| 5 years | $-7,527 |
| 7 years | $-4,329 |
| 9 years | $-1,131 |
| 11 years | $2,067 |
| 13 years | $5,265 |
| 15 years | $8,463 |
| 17 years | $11,660 |
| 19 years | $14,858 |
| 21 years | $18,056 |
| 23 years | $21,254 |
| 25 years | $24,452 |
Top Solar Installers in Chantilly
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be hard. The expertise that solar companies offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Chantilly
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chantilly
The cost of installing a solar system in Chantilly can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Chantilly, 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Chantilly, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Chantilly, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and 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 cost more. It's best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $2.86 | $12,012 | $15,283 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $20,686 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $26,242 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $31,952 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $37,817 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $43,835 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $50,008 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $56,334 | 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 choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Chantilly, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chantilly?
The average cost of solar panels in Chantilly is about $13,750 for a 5-kW system and $27,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Chantilly?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Chantilly?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.