Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Belvoir, VA (2023 Update)
- Fort Belvoir Solar Installation Cost: $15,521
- 25-Year Savings: $20,682
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Belvoir
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Fort Belvoir.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Fort Belvoir generally cost about 2.75. The average solar panel system size in Fort Belvoir is around 8.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,515 for a solar installation, or $22,186 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Fort Belvoir homeowner. 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. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Fort Belvoir, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fort Belvoir
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,923 |
| 3 years | $-10,725 |
| 5 years | $-7,527 |
| 7 years | $-4,329 |
| 9 years | $-1,131 |
| 11 years | $2,067 |
| 13 years | $5,265 |
| 15 years | $8,463 |
| 17 years | $11,660 |
| 19 years | $14,858 |
| 21 years | $18,056 |
| 23 years | $21,254 |
| 25 years | $24,452 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Belvoir
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra labor and knowledge. That's why almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a licensed solar installer 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
See all of the solar companies in Fort Belvoir
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Belvoir
Although the average cost of a solar system in Fort Belvoir is $15,515, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
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 assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Fort Belvoir homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Fort Belvoir, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Fort Belvoir have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $14,928 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $20,212 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $25,650 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $31,242 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $36,988 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $42,888 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $48,942 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $55,150 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Fort Belvoir, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fort Belvoir?
The average cost of solar panels in Fort Belvoir 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Fort Belvoir, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.