Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chester, VA (2023 Update)
- Chester Solar Installation Cost: $14,911
- 25-Year Savings: $21,293
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chester
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Chester.
In Chester, solar panels cost about 2.75 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Chester is around 7.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,919 for a solar installation, or $21,334 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on your energy needs and what company you go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Chester, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,312 |
| 3 years | $-10,114 |
| 5 years | $-6,916 |
| 7 years | $-3,718 |
| 9 years | $-521 |
| 11 years | $2,677 |
| 13 years | $5,875 |
| 15 years | $9,073 |
| 17 years | $12,271 |
| 19 years | $15,469 |
| 21 years | $18,667 |
| 23 years | $21,865 |
| 25 years | $25,062 |
Top Solar Installers in Chester
Installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Chester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chester
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing 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 discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,750. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Chester to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Chester, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 go with the 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 | $16,031 | 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 company you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Chester, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chester?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,750 for a 5-kW system and $27,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property's value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Chester?
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 replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.