Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairfax, VA (2024 Update)
- Fairfax Solar Installation Cost: $20,251
- 25-Year Savings: $4,251
- Payback Period: 25.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fairfax
We break down average solar pricing in Fairfax.
In Fairfax, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Fairfax is around 8.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,251 for a solar installation, or $28,959 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.With average savings of about $9,800 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fairfax find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Fairfax that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Fairfax
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,652 |
| 3 years | $-15,454 |
| 5 years | $-12,256 |
| 7 years | $-9,058 |
| 9 years | $-5,860 |
| 11 years | $-2,663 |
| 13 years | $535 |
| 15 years | $3,733 |
| 17 years | $6,931 |
| 19 years | $10,129 |
| 21 years | $13,327 |
| 23 years | $16,525 |
| 25 years | $19,723 |
Top Solar Installers in Fairfax
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Another advantage of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Fairfax, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Fairfax
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairfax
For many Fairfax homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fairfax, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Fairfax, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,590 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Fairfax is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater 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 lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $-966 | 26.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $-887 | 26.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $-606 | 25.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $-124 | 25.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $559 | 24.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $1,444 | 24.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $2,529 | 23.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $3,815 | 23.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Fairfax, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fairfax?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Fairfax?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Fairfax, 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.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a great 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 power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for 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 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.