Solar Panel Cost Guide in Danville, VA (2023 Update)
- Danville Solar Installation Cost: $14,701
- 25-Year Savings: $24,090
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Danville
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Danville.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Danville typically cost about 2.75. Using this figure, a typical 7.6-kW system would cost about $14,707 before the 30% federal solar 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 installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Danville can save about $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Danville for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Danville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,116 |
| 3 years | $-9,948 |
| 5 years | $-6,779 |
| 7 years | $-3,610 |
| 9 years | $-442 |
| 11 years | $2,727 |
| 13 years | $5,896 |
| 15 years | $9,064 |
| 17 years | $12,233 |
| 19 years | $15,402 |
| 21 years | $18,571 |
| 23 years | $21,739 |
| 25 years | $24,908 |
Top Solar Installers in Danville
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy consumption, but working with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Danville, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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
See all of the solar companies in Danville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Danville
There are many criteria that can influence your total 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 size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,750. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Danville average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Danville to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Danville, 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 promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to 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 | $2.86 | $12,012 | $18,465 | 9.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $24,927 | 9.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $31,544 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $38,315 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $45,240 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $52,319 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $59,552 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $66,938 | 8.5 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to get plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable 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 check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Danville, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Danville?
This is a tough 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Danville?
A solar panel system isn't free in Danville, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Danville, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 amount 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.