Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fair Oaks, VA (2024 Update)

  • Fair Oaks Solar Installation Cost: $20,263
  • 25-Year Savings: $5,032
  • Payback Period: 24.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fair Oaks

We break down average solar pricing in Fair Oaks.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fair Oaks, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Fair Oaks, most homeowners require a 8.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $20,263, or $28,976 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $10,000 over 20 years on power bills.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Fair Oaks for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Fair Oaks

YearReturn 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 Oaks

DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be valuable as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

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Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

See all of the solar companies in Fair Oaks

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fair Oaks

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Fair Oaks is $20,263, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install 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

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Fair Oaks homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Fair Oaks, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.73$15,681$-38725.6 years
8 kW$3.66$20,506$-11425.1 years
10 kW$3.59$25,130$36024.6 years
12 kW$3.52$29,553$1,03624.2 years
14 kW$3.45$33,775$1,91223.7 years
16 kW$3.37$37,796$2,98923.2 years
18 kW$3.30$41,615$4,26722.7 years
20 kW$3.23$45,234$5,74722.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:

  • Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
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Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

EcoWatch's Fair Oaks, VA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fair Oaks?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Fair Oaks?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.

Is it worth going solar in Fair Oaks?

Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size 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 typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.