Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gainesville, VA (2024 Update)
- Gainesville Solar Installation Cost: $20,044
- 25-Year Savings: $21,447
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gainesville
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Gainesville.
The average cost of a solar system in Gainesville is 4 per watt.The average Gainesville homeowner needs a 8.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,044 with the federal tax credit, or $28,663 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Gainesville depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Gainesville homeowner can save around $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Gainesville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,445 |
| 3 years | $-15,247 |
| 5 years | $-12,049 |
| 7 years | $-8,851 |
| 9 years | $-5,653 |
| 11 years | $-2,455 |
| 13 years | $743 |
| 15 years | $3,941 |
| 17 years | $7,138 |
| 19 years | $10,336 |
| 21 years | $13,534 |
| 23 years | $16,732 |
| 25 years | $19,930 |
Top Solar Installers in Gainesville
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’re unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- 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 Gainesville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gainesville
There are a number of criteria 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 performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Gainesville, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,590 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Gainesville provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Gainesville is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more resources and better 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 | $3.73 | $15,681 | $12,002 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $16,405 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $21,009 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $25,814 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $30,819 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $36,026 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $41,434 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $47,043 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Gainesville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Gainesville, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gainesville?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Gainesville?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Gainesville, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 their energy production 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.