Solar Panel Cost Guide in Emporia, VA (2024 Update)
- Emporia Solar Installation Cost: $19,303
- 25-Year Savings: $11,942
- Payback Period: 18.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Emporia
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Emporia.
In Emporia, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Emporia, most homeowners require a 7.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $19,303, or $27,603 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Emporia homeowner can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Emporia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,705 |
| 3 years | $-14,507 |
| 5 years | $-11,309 |
| 7 years | $-8,111 |
| 9 years | $-4,913 |
| 11 years | $-1,715 |
| 13 years | $1,483 |
| 15 years | $4,681 |
| 17 years | $7,878 |
| 19 years | $11,076 |
| 21 years | $14,274 |
| 23 years | $17,472 |
| 25 years | $20,670 |
Top Solar Installers in Emporia
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Emporia, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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 Emporia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Emporia
There are a number of criteria that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Emporia average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Emporia to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in 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 a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can influence how much you pay. Emporia’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $5,196 | 18.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $7,331 | 18.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $9,666 | 18.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $12,202 | 17.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $14,940 | 17.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $17,878 | 17.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $21,017 | 16.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $24,358 | 16.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Emporia, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- 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 solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Emporia, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Emporia?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Emporia?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Emporia, 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.
Is it worth going solar in Emporia?
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 many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.