Solar Panel Cost Guide in Countryside, VA (2024 Update)
- Countryside Solar Installation Cost: $20,419
- 25-Year Savings: $20,562
- Payback Period: 14.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Countryside
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Countryside.
In Countryside, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 8.1-kW system would cost about $20,419 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Countryside can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Countryside that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Countryside
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,820 |
| 3 years | $-15,622 |
| 5 years | $-12,424 |
| 7 years | $-9,226 |
| 9 years | $-6,029 |
| 11 years | $-2,831 |
| 13 years | $367 |
| 15 years | $3,565 |
| 17 years | $6,763 |
| 19 years | $9,961 |
| 21 years | $13,159 |
| 23 years | $16,357 |
| 25 years | $19,554 |
Top Solar Installers in Countryside
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra labor and know-how. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Countryside:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Countryside
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Countryside
Though the average cost of a solar system in Countryside is $20,419, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,590 per kilowatt in Countryside.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 choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Countryside average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they decrease 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 vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Countryside, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within 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 | $3.73 | $15,681 | $11,052 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $15,139 | 14.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $19,426 | 14.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $23,914 | 13.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $28,604 | 13.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $33,494 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $38,585 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $43,878 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Countryside, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Countryside?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Countryside?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Countryside?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
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 level 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.
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.