Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Hunt, VA (2023 Update)

  • Fort Hunt Solar Installation Cost: $15,515
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,688
  • Payback Period: 10.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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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 go over average solar pricing in Fort Hunt.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fort Hunt it's 2.75 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Fort Hunt 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.

These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may differ based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Fort Hunt

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-14,067
3 years $-11,171
5 years $-8,275
7 years $-5,378
9 years $-2,482
11 years $414
13 years $3,310
15 years $6,207
17 years $9,103
19 years $11,999
21 years $14,896
23 years $17,792
25 years $20,688

Top Solar Installers in Fort Hunt

Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Fort Hunt, thereby optimizing your ROI.

If you're searching for a solar company in Fort Hunt, we've organized 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 Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Fort Hunt

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Hunt

There are a number of factors that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant 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 power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,750 per kilowatt in Fort Hunt. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Fort Hunt provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Fort Hunt, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is 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 $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

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:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before making your decision.
  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.

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 Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Fort Hunt, VA Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. 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 Fort Hunt?

Solar panels aren't free in Fort Hunt, 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 you can take advantage of.

Is making the switch to solar worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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 install 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.

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