Solar Panel Cost Guide in Glen Allen, VA (Mar 2023)
- Glen Allen Solar Installation Cost: $14,976
- 25-Year Savings: $20,821
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Glen Allen
We break down average solar pricing in Glen Allen.
In Glen Allen, solar panels cost about 2.75 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Glen Allen is around 7.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,976 for a solar installation, or $21,416 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $17,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Glen Allen find installing solar panels can pay off big.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Glen Allen
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,545 |
| 3 years | $-10,681 |
| 5 years | $-7,817 |
| 7 years | $-4,953 |
| 9 years | $-2,089 |
| 11 years | $774 |
| 13 years | $3,638 |
| 15 years | $6,502 |
| 17 years | $9,366 |
| 19 years | $12,229 |
| 21 years | $15,093 |
| 23 years | $17,957 |
| 25 years | $20,821 |
Top Solar Installers in Glen Allen
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra time and knowledge. Because of that, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your family.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Glen Allen
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Glen Allen
For many Glen Allen homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Glen Allen, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,750 per kilowatt in Glen Allen. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Glen Allen, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill 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 equipment 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 | $15,592 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $21,098 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $26,757 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $32,570 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $38,538 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $44,659 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $50,935 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $57,364 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly affects your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Glen Allen, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Glen Allen?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Glen Allen?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Glen Allen, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Glen Allen?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely 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 after having 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.