Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dumfries, VA (2025 Update)
- Dumfries Solar Installation Cost: $20,044
- 25-Year Savings: $21,447
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dumfries
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Dumfries.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Dumfries is 4 per watt.The average Dumfries homeowner needs a 8.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,044 with the federal tax credit, or $28,663 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Dumfries depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With average savings of about $18,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Dumfries find going solar can pay off big.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dumfries
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-18,445 |
3 years | $-15,247 |
5 years | $-12,049 |
7 years | $-8,851 |
9 years | $-5,653 |
11 years | $-2,455 |
13 years | $743 |
15 years | $3,941 |
17 years | $7,138 |
19 years | $10,336 |
21 years | $13,534 |
23 years | $16,732 |
25 years | $19,930 |
Top Solar Installers in Dumfries
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Dumfries
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dumfries
There are a number of factors that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think 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 searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Dumfries, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Dumfries, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $12,002 | 14.2 years |
8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $16,405 | 13.9 years |
10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $21,009 | 13.6 years |
12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $25,814 | 13.3 years |
14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $30,819 | 13.1 years |
16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $36,026 | 12.8 years |
18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $41,434 | 12.5 years |
20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $47,043 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panel system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Dumfries, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dumfries?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Dumfries is currently $539,936, so you can look forward to a value of about $22,137 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Dumfries is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses 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 household 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.