Solar Panel Cost Guide in Christiansburg, VA (2025 Update)
- Christiansburg Solar Installation Cost: $19,812
- 25-Year Savings: $23,309
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Christiansburg
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Christiansburg.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Christiansburg, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Christiansburg is around 7.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,812 for a solar installation, or $28,331 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 may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Christiansburg homeowner can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Christiansburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,392 |
| 3 years | $-15,552 |
| 5 years | $-12,713 |
| 7 years | $-9,874 |
| 9 years | $-7,034 |
| 11 years | $-4,195 |
| 13 years | $-1,355 |
| 15 years | $1,484 |
| 17 years | $4,323 |
| 19 years | $7,163 |
| 21 years | $10,002 |
| 23 years | $12,842 |
| 25 years | $15,681 |
Top Solar Installers in Christiansburg
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
See all of the solar companies in Christiansburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Christiansburg
There are many criteria that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,590. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Christiansburg, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Christiansburg have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Christiansburg homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Christiansburg, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.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 promotions 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 | $3.73 | $15,681 | $13,608 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $18,546 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $23,686 | 12.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $29,026 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $34,567 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $40,309 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $46,253 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $52,397 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar 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 acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
EcoWatch's Christiansburg, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Christiansburg?
The average cost of solar panels in Christiansburg 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 certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Christiansburg?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.