Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fair Lakes, VA (2024 Update)
- Fair Lakes Solar Installation Cost: $20,263
- 25-Year Savings: $6,454
- Payback Period: 23.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fair Lakes
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Fair Lakes.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Fair Lakes generally cost about 4.The average Fair Lakes homeowner needs a 8.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,263 with the federal tax credit, or $28,976 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.With average savings of about $11,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fair Lakes find going solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Fair Lakes that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Fair Lakes
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,664 |
| 3 years | $-15,466 |
| 5 years | $-12,268 |
| 7 years | $-9,070 |
| 9 years | $-5,872 |
| 11 years | $-2,674 |
| 13 years | $524 |
| 15 years | $3,722 |
| 17 years | $6,919 |
| 19 years | $10,117 |
| 21 years | $13,315 |
| 23 years | $16,513 |
| 25 years | $19,711 |
Top Solar Installers in Fair Lakes
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and expertise. Because of that, most people choose a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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
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 Fair Lakes
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fair Lakes
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Fair Lakes: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,590.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Fair Lakes provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Fair Lakes, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion 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 | $3.73 | $15,681 | $672 | 24.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $1,298 | 23.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $2,125 | 23.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $3,153 | 22.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $4,382 | 22.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $5,812 | 21.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $7,443 | 21.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $9,275 | 20.7 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 models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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
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 Fair Lakes, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fair Lakes?
The average cost of solar panels in Fair Lakes is about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Fair Lakes?
Solar panels aren’t free in Fair Lakes, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Fair Lakes?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.