Solar Panel Cost Guide in Front Royal, VA (2024 Update)

  • Front Royal Solar Installation Cost: $20,413
  • 25-Year Savings: $18,866
  • Payback Period: 14.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Front Royal

We go over average solar pricing in Front Royal.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Front Royal is 4 per watt.The average Front Royal homeowner needs a 8.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,413 with the federal tax credit, or $29,191 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Front Royal can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Front Royal, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Front Royal

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-18,922
3 years $-15,939
5 years $-12,955
7 years $-9,972
9 years $-6,989
11 years $-4,006
13 years $-1,023
15 years $1,961
17 years $4,944
19 years $7,927
21 years $10,910
23 years $13,894
25 years $16,877

Top Solar Installers in Front Royal

DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, especially if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:

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 Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Front Royal

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Front Royal

The cost of installing a solar system in Front Royal can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, 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. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Plus, 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 falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Front Royal, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Front Royal homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.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 at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want 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 $3.73 $15,681 $9,804 15.4 years
8 kW $3.66 $20,506 $13,473 15.1 years
10 kW $3.59 $25,130 $17,344 14.8 years
12 kW $3.52 $29,553 $21,416 14.5 years
14 kW $3.45 $33,775 $25,689 14.2 years
16 kW $3.37 $37,796 $30,164 13.9 years
18 kW $3.30 $41,615 $34,839 13.6 years
20 kW $3.23 $45,234 $39,715 13.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar panels, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.

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 Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Front Royal, VA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Front Royal?

The average cost of solar panels in Front Royal is about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Front Royal?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.

Is it worth going solar in Front Royal?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different 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 consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 account for 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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