Solar Panel Cost Guide in Front Royal, VA (Mar 2023)
- Front Royal Solar Installation Cost: $15,631
- 25-Year Savings: $18,872
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Front Royal
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Front Royal.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Front Royal, the average cost of solar panels is 2.75 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Front Royal is around 8.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,631 for a solar installation, or $22,352 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of going solar can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Front Royal can save about $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Front Royal
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,251 |
| 3 years | $-11,491 |
| 5 years | $-8,730 |
| 7 years | $-5,970 |
| 9 years | $-3,210 |
| 11 years | $-450 |
| 13 years | $2,310 |
| 15 years | $5,071 |
| 17 years | $7,831 |
| 19 years | $10,591 |
| 21 years | $13,351 |
| 23 years | $16,112 |
| 25 years | $18,872 |
Top Solar Installers in Front Royal
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Front Royal, we've 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 Front Royal
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Front Royal
There are several factors that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,750. The type 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 cost more. Further, solar equipment consists of more than 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 looking into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Front Royal homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Front Royal, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $13,473 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $18,272 | 11.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $23,224 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $28,331 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $33,592 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $39,007 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $44,576 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $50,299 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand 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 pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a high 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 support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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 Front Royal, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Front Royal?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,750 for a 5-kW system and $27,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Front Royal?
You can't get solar panels for free in Front Royal. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Front Royal?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.