Solar Panel Cost Guide in Galax, VA (Mar 2023)
- Galax Solar Installation Cost: $15,092
- 25-Year Savings: $20,848
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Galax
We break down average solar pricing in Galax.
The average cost of a solar system in Galax is 2.75 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Galax, most homeowners require a 7.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $15,092, or $21,582 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind 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 equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Galax can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized 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 | $-13,654 |
| 3 years | $-10,779 |
| 5 years | $-7,904 |
| 7 years | $-5,029 |
| 9 years | $-2,154 |
| 11 years | $722 |
| 13 years | $3,597 |
| 15 years | $6,472 |
| 17 years | $9,347 |
| 19 years | $12,222 |
| 21 years | $15,098 |
| 23 years | $17,973 |
| 25 years | $20,848 |
Top Solar Installers in Galax
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Also, companies with an outstanding 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'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Galax:
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 Galax
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Galax
There are many factors that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Galax, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,750 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Galax, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Galax, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is 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 | $2.86 | $12,012 | $15,486 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $20,955 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $26,579 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $32,357 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $38,289 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $44,375 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $50,615 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $57,008 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- 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 expectations you should have about the cost.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
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 Galax, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Galax?
The average cost of solar panels in Galax is about $13,750 for a 5-kW system and $27,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $916.58 per year.
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 choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.