Solar Panel Cost Guide in Falmouth, VA (2023 Update)
- Falmouth Solar Installation Cost: $15,207
- 25-Year Savings: $21,929
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Falmouth
We go over average solar pricing in Falmouth.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Falmouth, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.75 per watt. The average Falmouth homeowner needs a 7.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,207 with the federal tax credit, or $21,746 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. With average savings of about $18,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Falmouth find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Falmouth
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,722 |
| 3 years | $-10,751 |
| 5 years | $-7,780 |
| 7 years | $-4,809 |
| 9 years | $-1,838 |
| 11 years | $1,133 |
| 13 years | $4,104 |
| 15 years | $7,075 |
| 17 years | $10,045 |
| 19 years | $13,016 |
| 21 years | $15,987 |
| 23 years | $18,958 |
| 25 years | $21,929 |
Top Solar Installers in Falmouth
Installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed 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 Falmouth
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Falmouth
For many Falmouth homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Falmouth, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, 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 nearly $2,750. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Falmouth, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Falmouth homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Falmouth homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $16,186 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $21,889 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $27,747 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $33,758 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $39,923 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $46,243 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $52,716 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $59,343 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Falmouth, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Falmouth?
The average cost of solar panels in Falmouth is about $13,750 for a 5-kW system and $27,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Falmouth?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates 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?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.