Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ettrick, VA (2023 Update)
- Ettrick Solar Installation Cost: $14,919
- 25-Year Savings: $22,314
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ettrick
We go over average solar pricing in Ettrick.
In Ettrick, solar panels cost about 2.75 per watt on average. The average Ettrick homeowner needs a 7.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,919 with the federal tax credit, or $21,334 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with. With average savings of about $18,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Ettrick find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Ettrick
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,429 |
| 3 years | $-10,451 |
| 5 years | $-7,472 |
| 7 years | $-4,494 |
| 9 years | $-1,515 |
| 11 years | $1,463 |
| 13 years | $4,442 |
| 15 years | $7,421 |
| 17 years | $10,399 |
| 19 years | $13,378 |
| 21 years | $16,356 |
| 23 years | $19,335 |
| 25 years | $22,314 |
Top Solar Installers in Ettrick
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra effort and knowledge. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your home.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Ettrick
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ettrick
There are several factors that can determine your solar panel 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
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 about $2,750. The type 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 in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Ettrick average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Ettrick, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Ettrick, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $16,828 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $22,745 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $28,816 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $35,041 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $41,421 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $47,954 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $54,641 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $61,482 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Ettrick, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ettrick?
This is a tough 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Ettrick?
A solar panel system isn't free in Ettrick, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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 home 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.