Solar Panel Cost Guide in Christiansburg, VA (Mar 2023)
- Christiansburg Solar Installation Cost: $15,169
- 25-Year Savings: $23,316
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Christiansburg
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Christiansburg.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Christiansburg typically cost about 2.75. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Christiansburg, most homeowners require a 7.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $15,169, or $21,692 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Christiansburg based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With typical savings of about $19,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Christiansburg find going solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Christiansburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,630 |
| 3 years | $-10,551 |
| 5 years | $-7,472 |
| 7 years | $-4,393 |
| 9 years | $-1,314 |
| 11 years | $1,764 |
| 13 years | $4,843 |
| 15 years | $7,922 |
| 17 years | $11,001 |
| 19 years | $14,079 |
| 21 years | $17,158 |
| 23 years | $20,237 |
| 25 years | $23,316 |
Top Solar Installers in Christiansburg
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be hard. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar company in Christiansburg, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Christiansburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Christiansburg
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Christiansburg is $15,169, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,750 per kilowatt in Christiansburg. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $17,277 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $23,344 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $29,566 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $35,941 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $42,470 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $49,153 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $55,990 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $62,981 | 8.9 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: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
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 Christiansburg, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Christiansburg?
The average cost of solar panels in Christiansburg 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Christiansburg?
Solar panels aren't free in Christiansburg, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Christiansburg is currently $265,200, which means you could be looking at a value of about $10,873 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Christiansburg is a rewarding investment.
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 how much 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 get 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.