Solar Panel Cost Guide in Colonial Heights, VA (2024 Update)
- Colonial Heights Solar Installation Cost: $19,418
- 25-Year Savings: $21,329
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Colonial Heights
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Colonial Heights.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Colonial Heights it’s 4 per watt.Since a 7.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Colonial Heights, the average price of going solar will be about $19,418 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Remember 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 choose, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $18,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Colonial Heights find going solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Colonial Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,820 |
| 3 years | $-14,622 |
| 5 years | $-11,424 |
| 7 years | $-8,226 |
| 9 years | $-5,028 |
| 11 years | $-1,830 |
| 13 years | $1,368 |
| 15 years | $4,566 |
| 17 years | $7,764 |
| 19 years | $10,961 |
| 21 years | $14,159 |
| 23 years | $17,357 |
| 25 years | $20,555 |
Top Solar Installers in Colonial Heights
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Colonial Heights, we've organized 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
See all of the solar companies in Colonial Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Colonial Heights
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Colonial Heights: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation require 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 $3,590.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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Colonial Heights, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk 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 | $12,430 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $16,975 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $21,722 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $26,669 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $31,818 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $37,167 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $42,718 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $48,470 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Colonial Heights, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Colonial Heights?
The average cost of solar panels in Colonial Heights 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Colonial Heights?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Colonial Heights. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Colonial Heights, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.