Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hampton, VA (2023 Update)
- Hampton Solar Installation Cost: $14,052
- 25-Year Savings: $22,151
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hampton
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Hampton.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Hampton is 2.75 per watt. The average Hampton homeowner needs a 7.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,052 with the federal tax credit, or $20,094 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Hampton can save about $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hampton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,932 |
| 3 years | $-13,690 |
| 5 years | $-13,449 |
| 7 years | $-13,208 |
| 9 years | $-12,966 |
| 11 years | $-12,725 |
| 13 years | $-12,484 |
| 15 years | $-12,242 |
| 17 years | $-12,001 |
| 19 years | $-11,760 |
| 21 years | $-11,518 |
| 23 years | $-11,277 |
| 25 years | $-11,035 |
Top Solar Installers in Hampton
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by offering warranties and repairs.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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
The cost of installing a solar system in Hampton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Hampton, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Hampton homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can play a part in determining the cost. Hampton's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $17,744 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $23,967 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $30,344 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $36,874 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $43,559 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $50,398 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $57,391 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $64,537 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will impact not only your overall 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, including:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hampton?
The average cost of solar panels in Hampton 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Hampton?
Solar panels aren't free in Hampton, 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Hampton?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Hampton?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.