Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fishersville, VA (2023 Update)
- Fishersville Solar Installation Cost: $15,147
- 25-Year Savings: $20,247
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fishersville
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Fishersville.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fishersville, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.75 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Fishersville, most homeowners require a 7.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $15,150, or $21,664 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fishersville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,029 |
| 3 years | $-14,793 |
| 5 years | $-14,557 |
| 7 years | $-14,321 |
| 9 years | $-14,085 |
| 11 years | $-13,849 |
| 13 years | $-13,613 |
| 15 years | $-13,377 |
| 17 years | $-13,141 |
| 19 years | $-12,905 |
| 21 years | $-12,669 |
| 23 years | $-12,433 |
| 25 years | $-12,197 |
Top Solar Installers in Fishersville
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra time and expertise. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Fishersville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fishersville
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Fishersville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment is 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Fishersville homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can play a role in determining your pricing. Fishersville's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $2.86 | $12,012 | $14,977 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $20,278 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $25,732 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $31,341 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $37,103 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $43,020 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $49,090 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $55,315 | 9.6 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 brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the endurance of your solar energy system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Fishersville, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fishersville?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,750 for a 5-kW system and $27,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Fishersville?
A solar panel system isn't free in Fishersville, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Does Fishersville have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity 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?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having 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.