Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dumfries, VA (Mar 2023)
- Dumfries 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 Dumfries
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Dumfries.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Dumfries, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.75 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Dumfries, most homeowners require a 8.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $15,361, or $21,966 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Dumfries depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With average savings of about $18,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Dumfries find going solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Dumfries for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Dumfries
| 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 Dumfries
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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 Dumfries
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dumfries
There are a number of criteria that can affect your solar system 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
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,750 per kilowatt in Dumfries. 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 raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Dumfries provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater 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 discount can bring their pricing down 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 | $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
The solar panel company you choose will impact 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 some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- 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.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- 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 verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Dumfries, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dumfries?
The average cost of solar panels in Dumfries is about $13,750 for a 5-kW system and $27,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial 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 consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
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 in Dumfries, 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.