Solar Panel Cost Guide in Countryside, VA (Mar 2023)
- Countryside Solar Installation Cost: $15,650
- 25-Year Savings: $20,554
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Countryside
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Countryside.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Countryside, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.75 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Countryside, most homeowners require a 8.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $15,650, or $22,380 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% 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 system you choose, your solar contractor and more. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Countryside homeowner can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Countryside
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,202 |
| 3 years | $-11,306 |
| 5 years | $-8,410 |
| 7 years | $-5,513 |
| 9 years | $-2,617 |
| 11 years | $279 |
| 13 years | $3,176 |
| 15 years | $6,072 |
| 17 years | $8,968 |
| 19 years | $11,865 |
| 21 years | $14,761 |
| 23 years | $17,657 |
| 25 years | $20,554 |
Top Solar Installers in Countryside
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra effort and handiness. That's why most people choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Countryside
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Countryside
For many Countryside homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Countryside, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Countryside have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Countryside is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $14,722 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $19,937 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $25,306 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $30,829 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $36,506 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $42,337 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $48,323 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $54,462 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Countryside, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Countryside, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Countryside?
The average cost of solar panels in Countryside is about $13,750 for a 5-kW system and $27,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things 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 Countryside?
A solar panel system isn't free in Countryside, 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 can help lower the cost.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Countryside, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Countryside?
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 larger 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.
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.