Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hampton, VA (2025 Update)
- Hampton Solar Installation Cost: $18,345
- 25-Year Savings: $22,151
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hampton
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Hampton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Hampton it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Hampton is around 7.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,345 for a solar installation, or $26,233 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Hampton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,746 |
| 3 years | $-13,548 |
| 5 years | $-10,350 |
| 7 years | $-7,152 |
| 9 years | $-3,954 |
| 11 years | $-757 |
| 13 years | $2,441 |
| 15 years | $5,639 |
| 17 years | $8,837 |
| 19 years | $12,035 |
| 21 years | $15,233 |
| 23 years | $18,431 |
| 25 years | $21,629 |
Top Solar Installers in Hampton
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installation company since handling can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Hampton, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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
See all of the solar companies in Hampton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hampton
Although the average cost of a solar system in Hampton is $18,345, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Hampton average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Hampton offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can play a part in determining your pricing. Hampton’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Hampton know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $14,075 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $19,169 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $24,464 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $29,960 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $35,656 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $41,554 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $47,653 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $53,953 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Hampton, 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:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Hampton, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hampton?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Hampton?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.