Solar Panel Cost Guide in Colonial Heights, VA (2023 Update)
- Colonial Heights Solar Installation Cost: $14,880
- 25-Year Savings: $21,324
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Colonial Heights
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Colonial Heights.
The average cost of a solar system in Colonial Heights is 2.75 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Colonial Heights is around 7.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,880 for a solar installation, or $21,278 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may look different based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. Even with the large initial cost, the average Colonial Heights homeowner can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Colonial Heights for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Colonial Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,432 |
| 3 years | $-10,536 |
| 5 years | $-7,639 |
| 7 years | $-4,743 |
| 9 years | $-1,847 |
| 11 years | $1,049 |
| 13 years | $3,946 |
| 15 years | $6,842 |
| 17 years | $9,738 |
| 19 years | $12,635 |
| 21 years | $15,531 |
| 23 years | $18,427 |
| 25 years | $21,324 |
Top Solar Installers in Colonial Heights
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra effort and expertise. Because of that, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're searching for a solar company in Colonial Heights, the EcoWatch team has 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
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 Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Colonial Heights
For many Colonial Heights homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Colonial Heights, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Colonial Heights average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Colonial Heights, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Colonial Heights, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 | $16,099 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $21,773 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $27,602 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $33,584 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $39,721 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $46,011 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $52,455 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $59,054 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
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 Heights, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Colonial Heights?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more 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 choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is going 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 many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.