Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Lee, VA (2024 Update)
- Fort Lee Solar Installation Cost: $19,400
- 25-Year Savings: $21,140
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Lee
We break down average solar pricing in Fort Lee.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Fort Lee generally cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Fort Lee is around 7.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,400 for a solar installation, or $27,742 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Fort Lee can save around $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Fort Lee for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Fort Lee
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,802 |
| 3 years | $-14,604 |
| 5 years | $-11,406 |
| 7 years | $-8,208 |
| 9 years | $-5,010 |
| 11 years | $-1,812 |
| 13 years | $1,386 |
| 15 years | $4,584 |
| 17 years | $7,781 |
| 19 years | $10,979 |
| 21 years | $14,177 |
| 23 years | $17,375 |
| 25 years | $20,573 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Lee
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra energy and handiness. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Because solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- 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 Lee
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Lee
The cost of installing a solar system in Fort Lee can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,590. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Fort Lee, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Fort Lee homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can affect how much you pay. Fort Lee’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 undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 | $3.73 | $15,681 | $12,299 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $16,800 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $21,503 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $26,407 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $31,512 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $36,818 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $42,324 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $48,032 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Fort Lee, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid 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 National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Fort Lee, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fort Lee?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Fort Lee, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate 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 needs and the average daily 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 buy 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.