Solar Panel Cost Guide in Falls Church, VA (2024 Update)
- Falls Church Solar Installation Cost: $20,314
- 25-Year Savings: $20,642
- Payback Period: 14.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Falls Church
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Falls Church.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Falls Church it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Falls Church, most homeowners require a 8.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $20,314, or $29,049 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Falls Church homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Falls Church can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Falls Church
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,716 |
| 3 years | $-15,518 |
| 5 years | $-12,320 |
| 7 years | $-9,122 |
| 9 years | $-5,924 |
| 11 years | $-2,726 |
| 13 years | $472 |
| 15 years | $3,670 |
| 17 years | $6,867 |
| 19 years | $10,065 |
| 21 years | $13,263 |
| 23 years | $16,461 |
| 25 years | $19,659 |
Top Solar Installers in Falls Church
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Because solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Falls Church
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Falls Church
There are many factors that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Falls Church, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,590 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Falls Church average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Falls Church, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Falls Church, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 | $3.73 | $15,681 | $11,190 | 14.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $15,322 | 14.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $19,655 | 14.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $24,190 | 13.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $28,925 | 13.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $33,861 | 13.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $38,998 | 12.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $44,337 | 12.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Falls Church, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Falls Church?
The average cost of solar panels in Falls Church 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Falls Church?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Falls Church. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Falls Church?
Even 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had 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.