Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chester, VA (2025 Update)
- Chester Solar Installation Cost: $19,466
- 25-Year Savings: $21,293
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chester
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Chester.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Chester, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Chester, most homeowners require a 7.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $19,466, or $27,836 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Despite the large initial cost, the average Chester homeowner can save about $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,867 |
| 3 years | $-14,669 |
| 5 years | $-11,471 |
| 7 years | $-8,273 |
| 9 years | $-5,075 |
| 11 years | $-1,877 |
| 13 years | $1,321 |
| 15 years | $4,518 |
| 17 years | $7,716 |
| 19 years | $10,914 |
| 21 years | $14,112 |
| 23 years | $17,310 |
| 25 years | $20,508 |
Top Solar Installers in Chester
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a challenging task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy use, but working with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
See all of the solar companies in Chester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chester
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Chester: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Chester homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When trying to figure 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 on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Chester is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $12,362 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $16,884 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $21,608 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $26,533 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $31,659 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $36,986 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $42,513 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $48,242 | 12.1 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 selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
EcoWatch's Chester, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chester?
The average cost of solar panels in Chester is about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Chester have a net metering program?
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 power bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.