Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dale City, VA (2023 Update)
- Dale City Solar Installation Cost: $15,361
- 25-Year Savings: $21,439
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dale City
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Dale City.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Dale City typically cost about 2.75. The average Dale City homeowner needs a 8.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,361 with the federal tax credit, or $21,966 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Dale City homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Dale City for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Dale City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,889 |
| 3 years | $-10,945 |
| 5 years | $-8,001 |
| 7 years | $-5,057 |
| 9 years | $-2,113 |
| 11 years | $831 |
| 13 years | $3,775 |
| 15 years | $6,719 |
| 17 years | $9,663 |
| 19 years | $12,607 |
| 21 years | $15,551 |
| 23 years | $18,495 |
| 25 years | $21,439 |
Top Solar Installers in Dale City
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Dale City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dale City
Although the average cost of a solar system in Dale City is $15,361, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,750. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on 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 installers in Dale City provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, 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 opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Dale City, and each can charge different amounts 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 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 | $15,671 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $21,203 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $26,889 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $32,728 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $38,722 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $44,870 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $51,172 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $57,627 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
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 Dale City, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dale City?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Dale City?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Dale City have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.