Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fredericksburg, VA (Mar 2023)
- Fredericksburg Solar Installation Cost: $15,361
- 25-Year Savings: $21,137
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fredericksburg
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Fredericksburg.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Fredericksburg is 2.75 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 8.0-kW system would cost about $15,361 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Fredericksburg homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Fredericksburg for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Fredericksburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,902 |
| 3 years | $-10,982 |
| 5 years | $-8,062 |
| 7 years | $-5,142 |
| 9 years | $-2,222 |
| 11 years | $698 |
| 13 years | $3,618 |
| 15 years | $6,538 |
| 17 years | $9,458 |
| 19 years | $12,378 |
| 21 years | $15,297 |
| 23 years | $18,217 |
| 25 years | $21,137 |
Top Solar Installers in Fredericksburg
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra time and expertise. That's one of the reasons most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're looking for a solar company in Fredericksburg, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Fredericksburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fredericksburg
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Fredericksburg: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,750 per kilowatt in Fredericksburg. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Fredericksburg average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Fredericksburg, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will impact your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $15,448 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $20,905 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $26,516 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $32,281 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $38,201 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $44,274 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $50,501 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $56,882 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar panels, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Fredericksburg, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fredericksburg?
The average cost of solar panels in Fredericksburg is about $13,750 for a 5-kW system and $27,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as 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 Fredericksburg?
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 can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Fredericksburg is currently $312,964, so you can look forward to a value of about $12,832 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Fredericksburg is a worthwhile investment.
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 decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.