Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Hunt, VA (2024 Update)

  • Fort Hunt Solar Installation Cost: $20,263
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,682
  • Payback Period: 14.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Hunt

We break down average solar pricing in Fort Hunt.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fort Hunt it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 8.1-kW system would cost about $20,263 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Fort Hunt based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Fort Hunt homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Fort Hunt

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-18,664
3 years $-15,466
5 years $-12,268
7 years $-9,070
9 years $-5,872
11 years $-2,674
13 years $524
15 years $3,722
17 years $6,919
19 years $10,117
21 years $13,315
23 years $16,513
25 years $19,711

Top Solar Installers in Fort Hunt

Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and knowledge. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.

If you're looking for a solar installer in Fort Hunt, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Fort Hunt

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Hunt

For many Fort Hunt homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fort Hunt, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Fort Hunt, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,590 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Fort Hunt homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Fort Hunt, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.

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 $11,259 14.6 years
8 kW $3.66 $20,506 $15,414 14.3 years
10 kW $3.59 $25,130 $19,770 14.0 years
12 kW $3.52 $29,553 $24,327 13.7 years
14 kW $3.45 $33,775 $29,085 13.4 years
16 kW $3.37 $37,796 $34,045 13.2 years
18 kW $3.30 $41,615 $39,205 12.9 years
20 kW $3.23 $45,234 $44,566 12.6 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Fort Hunt, VA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fort Hunt?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Is it worth going solar in Fort Hunt?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, solar panels can last 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 level 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.

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