Solar Panel Cost Guide in Charlottesville, VA (2023 Update)
- Charlottesville Solar Installation Cost: $15,164
- 25-Year Savings: $21,657
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Charlottesville
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Charlottesville.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Charlottesville generally cost about 2.75. The average solar panel system size in Charlottesville is around 7.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,169 for a solar installation, or $21,692 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. 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 solar installer you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Charlottesville see about $18,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Charlottesville for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Charlottesville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,042 |
| 3 years | $-14,796 |
| 5 years | $-14,551 |
| 7 years | $-14,305 |
| 9 years | $-14,060 |
| 11 years | $-13,814 |
| 13 years | $-13,569 |
| 15 years | $-13,323 |
| 17 years | $-13,078 |
| 19 years | $-12,832 |
| 21 years | $-12,587 |
| 23 years | $-12,341 |
| 25 years | $-12,096 |
Top Solar Installers in Charlottesville
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since installing solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some 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 Charlottesville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Charlottesville
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Charlottesville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Charlottesville, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,750 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Charlottesville, 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Charlottesville homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Charlottesville homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Charlottesville, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $16,033 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $21,685 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $27,491 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $33,451 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $39,566 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $45,834 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $52,256 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $58,832 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. 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 options before making your decision.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Charlottesville, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Charlottesville?
The average cost of solar panels in Charlottesville 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Charlottesville?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually 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 way to go if you want to get the most savings.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $934.82 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Charlottesville?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.