Solar Panel Cost Guide in Culpeper, VA (2023 Update)
- Culpeper Solar Installation Cost: $15,381
- 25-Year Savings: $21,432
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Culpeper
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Culpeper.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Culpeper typically cost around 2.75. The average solar panel system size in Culpeper is around 8.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,381 for a solar installation, or $21,995 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Culpeper based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Culpeper for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Culpeper
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,908 |
| 3 years | $-10,963 |
| 5 years | $-8,018 |
| 7 years | $-5,073 |
| 9 years | $-2,128 |
| 11 years | $817 |
| 13 years | $3,762 |
| 15 years | $6,707 |
| 17 years | $9,652 |
| 19 years | $12,597 |
| 21 years | $15,542 |
| 23 years | $18,487 |
| 25 years | $21,432 |
Top Solar Installers in Culpeper
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra time and handiness. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're searching for a solar company in Culpeper, 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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Culpeper
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Culpeper
For many Culpeper homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Culpeper, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation need 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 $2,750. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Culpeper, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Culpeper homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Culpeper, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $15,649 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $21,174 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $26,852 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $32,685 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $38,671 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $44,811 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $51,106 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $57,554 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you choose.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Culpeper, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Culpeper?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,750 for a 5-kW system and $27,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Culpeper?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home 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.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Culpeper is currently $278,400, so you could be looking at a value of about $11,414 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Culpeper is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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.