Solar Panel Cost Guide in Charlottesville, VA (2024 Update)
- Charlottesville Solar Installation Cost: $19,796
- 25-Year Savings: $21,657
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Charlottesville
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Charlottesville.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Charlottesville, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Charlottesville is around 7.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,796 for a solar installation, or $28,308 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Charlottesville homeowner can save around $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Charlottesville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,230 |
| 3 years | $-15,097 |
| 5 years | $-11,965 |
| 7 years | $-8,832 |
| 9 years | $-5,699 |
| 11 years | $-2,567 |
| 13 years | $566 |
| 15 years | $3,699 |
| 17 years | $6,831 |
| 19 years | $9,964 |
| 21 years | $13,097 |
| 23 years | $16,230 |
| 25 years | $19,362 |
Top Solar Installers in Charlottesville
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Charlottesville, therefore optimizing your ROI.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Charlottesville:
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
Although the average cost of a solar system in Charlottesville is $19,796, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Charlottesville, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $12,364 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $16,887 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $21,611 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $26,537 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $31,663 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $36,990 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $42,519 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $48,248 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Charlottesville?
The average cost of solar panels in Charlottesville is about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff 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 Charlottesville?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Charlottesville. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Charlottesville have a net metering program?
Each state has some form 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 give you credit toward your future energy bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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.