Solar Panel Cost Guide in Franconia, VA (Mar 2023)

  • Franconia 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 March 14, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Franconia

We go over average solar pricing in Franconia.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Franconia, the average cost of a solar system is 2.75 per watt. Since a 8.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Franconia, the average price of going solar will be about $15,515 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Franconia based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

To receive a free estimate from a top solar installation company in Franconia, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Franconia

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 Franconia

Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a challenging project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your family.

Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

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 (coming 2022)

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

See all of the solar companies in Franconia

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Franconia

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Franconia is $15,515, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,750 per kilowatt in Franconia. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Franconia, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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

If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can impact your pricing. Franconia's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits 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

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
  • Warranty: If you're concerned about the durability of your solar energy system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.

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 (coming 2022)

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch's Franconia, VA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Franconia?

The average cost of solar panels in Franconia is about $13,750 for a 5-kW system and $27,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Franconia?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.

Does Franconia have a net metering program?

The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.

Follow us