Solar Panel Cost Guide in Galax, VA (2024 Update)
- Galax Solar Installation Cost: $19,707
- 25-Year Savings: $20,844
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Galax
We break down average solar pricing in Galax.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Galax it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Galax is around 7.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,707 for a solar installation, or $28,181 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Galax
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,288 |
| 3 years | $-15,448 |
| 5 years | $-12,609 |
| 7 years | $-9,769 |
| 9 years | $-6,930 |
| 11 years | $-4,091 |
| 13 years | $-1,251 |
| 15 years | $1,588 |
| 17 years | $4,428 |
| 19 years | $7,267 |
| 21 years | $10,106 |
| 23 years | $12,946 |
| 25 years | $15,785 |
Top Solar Installers in Galax
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and expertise. That's why most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Another advantage of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a professional solar installer 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 Galax
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Galax
The cost of installing a solar system in Galax can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,590 per kilowatt in Galax.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment is 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $11,816 | 14.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $16,157 | 14.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $20,699 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $25,442 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $30,386 | 13.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $35,531 | 12.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $40,877 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $46,424 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
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 Galax, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Galax?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Galax?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Galax. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Galax have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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 install 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.