Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chester, VA (Mar 2023)
- Chester Solar Installation Cost: $14,919
- 25-Year Savings: $21,285
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chester
We go over average solar pricing in Chester.
In Chester, solar panels cost about 2.75 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 7.8-kW system would cost about $14,919 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Chester can save about $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
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 | $-13,471 |
| 3 years | $-10,574 |
| 5 years | $-7,678 |
| 7 years | $-4,782 |
| 9 years | $-1,885 |
| 11 years | $1,011 |
| 13 years | $3,907 |
| 15 years | $6,804 |
| 17 years | $9,700 |
| 19 years | $12,596 |
| 21 years | $15,492 |
| 23 years | $18,389 |
| 25 years | $21,285 |
Top Solar Installers in Chester
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, especially if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Chester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chester
For many Chester homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Chester, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,750. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Chester average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Chester provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can influence how much you pay. Chester's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 | $2.86 | $12,012 | $16,031 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $21,683 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $27,488 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $33,448 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $39,561 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $45,829 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $52,251 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $58,826 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will influence not only your overall 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 consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- 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 most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure 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 (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 Chester, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chester?
The average cost of solar panels in Chester 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Chester?
A solar panel system isn't free in Chester, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $934.76 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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.
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.