Solar Panel Cost Guide in Culpeper, VA (2024 Update)
- Culpeper Solar Installation Cost: $20,066
- 25-Year Savings: $19,907
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Culpeper
We go over average solar pricing in Culpeper.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Culpeper typically cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Culpeper is around 8.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,066 for a solar installation, or $28,694 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you may look different based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Culpeper homeowners see about $18,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Culpeper
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,467 |
| 3 years | $-15,270 |
| 5 years | $-12,072 |
| 7 years | $-8,874 |
| 9 years | $-5,676 |
| 11 years | $-2,478 |
| 13 years | $720 |
| 15 years | $3,918 |
| 17 years | $7,116 |
| 19 years | $10,313 |
| 21 years | $13,511 |
| 23 years | $16,709 |
| 25 years | $19,907 |
Top Solar Installers in Culpeper
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Culpeper, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- 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 Culpeper
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Culpeper
The cost of installing a solar system in Culpeper can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some 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 increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,590.The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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 researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Culpeper offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Culpeper homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can impact how much you pay. Culpeper’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to 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 access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $11,980 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $16,376 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $20,972 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $25,770 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $30,768 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $35,968 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $41,369 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $46,970 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Culpeper, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Culpeper?
The average cost of solar panels in Culpeper is about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type 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 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 savings from going solar.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Culpeper?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.