Solar Panel Cost Guide in County Center, VA (2023 Update)
- County Center Solar Installation Cost: $15,354
- 25-Year Savings: $21,447
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in County Center
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in County Center.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in County Center it's 2.75 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in County Center, most homeowners require a 8.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $15,361, or $21,966 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with. With typical savings of about $18,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in County Center find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in County Center
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,755 |
| 3 years | $-10,557 |
| 5 years | $-7,359 |
| 7 years | $-4,161 |
| 9 years | $-963 |
| 11 years | $2,235 |
| 13 years | $5,432 |
| 15 years | $8,630 |
| 17 years | $11,828 |
| 19 years | $15,026 |
| 21 years | $18,224 |
| 23 years | $21,422 |
| 25 years | $24,620 |
Top Solar Installers in County Center
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your home.
Working with a vetted solar company 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
See all of the solar companies in County Center
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in County Center
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in County Center: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in County Center, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,750 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind 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. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the County Center average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in County Center, which can reduce, 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in County Center, you'll have many 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 come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is 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 | $2.86 | $12,012 | $15,671 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $21,203 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $26,889 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $32,728 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $38,722 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $44,870 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $51,172 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $57,627 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in County Center, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's County Center, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in County Center?
The average cost of solar panels in County Center 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in County Center?
You can't get solar panels for free in County Center. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in County Center is currently $340,076, so you can look forward to a value of about $13,943 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in County Center is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in County Center?
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.