Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gainesville, VA (2023 Update)
- Gainesville Solar Installation Cost: $15,361
- 25-Year Savings: $21,439
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gainesville
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Gainesville.
In Gainesville, solar panels cost about 2.75 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 8.0-kW system would cost about $15,361 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Gainesville depending on a few 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 payback for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gainesville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,889 |
| 3 years | $-10,945 |
| 5 years | $-8,001 |
| 7 years | $-5,057 |
| 9 years | $-2,113 |
| 11 years | $831 |
| 13 years | $3,775 |
| 15 years | $6,719 |
| 17 years | $9,663 |
| 19 years | $12,607 |
| 21 years | $15,551 |
| 23 years | $18,495 |
| 25 years | $21,439 |
Top Solar Installers in Gainesville
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and knowledge. Because of that, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Gainesville, the EcoWatch team has organized 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
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 Gainesville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gainesville
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Gainesville is $15,361, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,750. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Gainesville have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Gainesville homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can affect your pricing. Gainesville's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $15,671 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $21,203 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $26,889 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $32,728 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $38,722 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $44,870 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $51,172 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $57,627 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- 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 project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
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 Gainesville, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gainesville?
This is a tough 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 above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Gainesville?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Gainesville is currently $481,801, which means you could be looking at a value of about $19,754 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Gainesville is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 cover 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.