Solar Panel Cost Guide in Colonial Beach, VA (2023 Update)
- Colonial Beach Solar Installation Cost: $14,899
- 25-Year Savings: $23,516
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Colonial Beach
We break down average solar pricing in Colonial Beach.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Colonial Beach it's 2.75 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.7-kW system would cost about $14,899 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Colonial Beach can save about $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Colonial Beach
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,363 |
| 3 years | $-10,290 |
| 5 years | $-7,216 |
| 7 years | $-4,143 |
| 9 years | $-1,070 |
| 11 years | $2,003 |
| 13 years | $5,077 |
| 15 years | $8,150 |
| 17 years | $11,223 |
| 19 years | $14,296 |
| 21 years | $17,370 |
| 23 years | $20,443 |
| 25 years | $23,516 |
Top Solar Installers in Colonial Beach
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Another upside of going with a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Colonial Beach
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Colonial Beach
Though the average cost of a solar system in Colonial Beach is $14,899, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Colonial Beach to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Colonial Beach is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $17,780 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $24,014 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $30,403 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $36,946 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $43,642 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $50,493 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $57,497 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $64,656 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the endurance of your solar energy system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- 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 big role in the company you opt for.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Colonial Beach, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Colonial Beach?
The average cost of solar panels in Colonial Beach is about $13,750 for a 5-kW system and $27,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Colonial Beach?
Solar panels aren't free in Colonial Beach, 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 you can take advantage of.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Colonial Beach is currently $221,500, which means you could be looking at a value of about $9,082 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Colonial Beach is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels do I need 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.
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.