Solar Panel Cost Guide in Falmouth, VA (2024 Update)
- Falmouth Solar Installation Cost: $19,858
- 25-Year Savings: $21,925
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Falmouth
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Falmouth.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Falmouth, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Falmouth, most homeowners require a 7.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $19,858, or $28,397 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Falmouth homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Falmouth see about $18,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Falmouth
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,259 |
| 3 years | $-15,061 |
| 5 years | $-11,863 |
| 7 years | $-8,665 |
| 9 years | $-5,467 |
| 11 years | $-2,269 |
| 13 years | $929 |
| 15 years | $4,127 |
| 17 years | $7,324 |
| 19 years | $10,522 |
| 21 years | $13,720 |
| 23 years | $16,918 |
| 25 years | $20,116 |
Top Solar Installers in Falmouth
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your home.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Falmouth:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Falmouth
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Falmouth
The cost of installing a solar system in Falmouth can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,590 per kilowatt in Falmouth.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Falmouth have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s important 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
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can influence how much it costs. Falmouth’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. 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 go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within 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 | $3.73 | $15,681 | $12,517 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $17,091 | 13.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $21,867 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $26,843 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $32,021 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $37,399 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $42,979 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $48,759 | 12.0 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:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Falmouth, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Falmouth?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Falmouth?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Falmouth?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.