Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Lee, VA (2023 Update)
- Fort Lee Solar Installation Cost: $14,861
- 25-Year Savings: $21,140
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Lee
See how much it might cost to go solar in Fort Lee.
In Fort Lee, solar panels cost about 2.75 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Fort Lee, most homeowners require a 7.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $14,861, or $21,251 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 will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $18,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fort Lee find investing in solar can pay off big.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fort Lee
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,421 |
| 3 years | $-10,541 |
| 5 years | $-7,661 |
| 7 years | $-4,781 |
| 9 years | $-1,901 |
| 11 years | $980 |
| 13 years | $3,860 |
| 15 years | $6,740 |
| 17 years | $9,620 |
| 19 years | $12,500 |
| 21 years | $15,380 |
| 23 years | $18,260 |
| 25 years | $21,140 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Lee
When going solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Fort Lee
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Lee
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Fort Lee: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,750. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions 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 looking for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Fort Lee have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Fort Lee homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Fort Lee is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $15,968 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $21,599 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $27,383 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $33,322 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $39,414 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $45,661 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $52,062 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $58,616 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- 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 you can expect about the cost.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Fort Lee, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fort Lee?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Fort Lee?
A solar panel system isn't free in Fort Lee, 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.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Fort Lee, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Fort Lee?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.