Solar Panel Cost Guide in Crozet, VA (2024 Update)

  • Crozet Solar Installation Cost: $19,673
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,017
  • Payback Period: 13.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Crozet

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Crozet.

The average cost of solar panels in Crozet is 4 per watt.Because a 7.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Crozet, the average price of going solar will be about $19,673 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Crozet homeowners see about $18,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Crozet, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Crozet

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-18,134
3 years $-15,056
5 years $-11,977
7 years $-8,899
9 years $-5,820
11 years $-2,742
13 years $336
15 years $3,415
17 years $6,493
19 years $9,572
21 years $12,650
23 years $15,728
25 years $18,807

Top Solar Installers in Crozet

Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and knowledge. That's why most people choose a solar panel installer. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Crozet

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Crozet

There are a number of criteria that can play into your solar panel 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

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,590.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Crozet have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Crozet, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 $3.73 $15,681 $12,743 13.8 years
8 kW $3.66 $20,506 $17,392 13.5 years
10 kW $3.59 $25,130 $22,243 13.3 years
12 kW $3.52 $29,553 $27,295 13.0 years
14 kW $3.45 $33,775 $32,548 12.7 years
16 kW $3.37 $37,796 $38,002 12.5 years
18 kW $3.30 $41,615 $43,656 12.2 years
20 kW $3.23 $45,234 $49,512 11.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
  • Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panel system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Crozet, VA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Crozet?

The average cost of solar panels in Crozet is about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

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 the value of my home?

Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Crozet is currently $531,652, so you can expect a value of about $21,798 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Crozet is a fruitful investment.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out 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 house 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.

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