Solar Panel Cost Guide in Crozet, VA (Mar 2023)
- Crozet Solar Installation Cost: $15,073
- 25-Year Savings: $22,014
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Crozet
We break down average solar pricing in Crozet.
In Crozet, solar panels cost about 2.75 per watt on average. The average Crozet homeowner needs a 7.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,073 with the federal tax credit, or $21,554 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Crozet homeowner can save about $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Crozet
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,589 |
| 3 years | $-10,622 |
| 5 years | $-7,655 |
| 7 years | $-4,689 |
| 9 years | $-1,722 |
| 11 years | $1,245 |
| 13 years | $4,212 |
| 15 years | $7,179 |
| 17 years | $10,146 |
| 19 years | $13,113 |
| 21 years | $16,080 |
| 23 years | $19,047 |
| 25 years | $22,014 |
Top Solar Installers in Crozet
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a stressful task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Crozet
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Crozet
The cost of installing a solar system in Crozet can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,750. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Crozet average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Crozet homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can impact how much you pay. Crozet's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies 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 decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 | $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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Crozet, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Crozet?
The average cost of solar panels in Crozet 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Crozet?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get 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.
Does Crozet have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.