Solar Panel Cost Guide in Crozet, VA (2023 Update)
- Crozet Solar Installation Cost: $15,070
- 25-Year Savings: $22,017
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Crozet
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Crozet.
The average cost of solar panels in Crozet is 2.75 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.8-kW system would cost about $15,073 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Crozet can save about $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Crozet for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Crozet
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,531 |
| 3 years | $-10,452 |
| 5 years | $-7,374 |
| 7 years | $-4,296 |
| 9 years | $-1,217 |
| 11 years | $1,861 |
| 13 years | $4,940 |
| 15 years | $8,018 |
| 17 years | $11,096 |
| 19 years | $14,175 |
| 21 years | $17,253 |
| 23 years | $20,332 |
| 25 years | $23,410 |
Top Solar Installers in Crozet
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Another upside of going with a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your ROI by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Crozet, 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 Crozet
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Crozet
There are many criteria that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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 energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Crozet average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Crozet to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. It's a good idea to factor 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
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Crozet, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually 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 car 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 | $16,412 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $22,191 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $28,123 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $34,210 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $40,450 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $46,845 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $53,394 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $60,096 | 9.1 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 things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Crozet, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Crozet?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Crozet?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to 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 financial benefits from going solar.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Crozet?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.