Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chantilly, VA (2023 Update)
- Chantilly Solar Installation Cost: $15,515
- 25-Year Savings: $21,166
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chantilly
We break down average solar pricing in Chantilly.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Chantilly is 2.75 per watt. Because a 8.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Chantilly, the average price of going solar will be about $15,515 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Chantilly, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chantilly
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,048 |
| 3 years | $-11,114 |
| 5 years | $-8,179 |
| 7 years | $-5,245 |
| 9 years | $-2,310 |
| 11 years | $624 |
| 13 years | $3,559 |
| 15 years | $6,493 |
| 17 years | $9,428 |
| 19 years | $12,362 |
| 21 years | $15,297 |
| 23 years | $18,231 |
| 25 years | $21,166 |
Top Solar Installers in Chantilly
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your family.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Chantilly, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Chantilly
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chantilly
For many Chantilly homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Chantilly, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,750 per kilowatt in Chantilly. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Chantilly homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Chantilly homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Chantilly know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $15,283 | 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 you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- 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.
- Contract: When looking 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 such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check 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 (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 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.