Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hampton, VA (Mar 2023)
- Hampton Solar Installation Cost: $14,052
- 25-Year Savings: $22,151
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hampton
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Hampton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Hampton it's 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.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on your energy needs and what company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $19,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hampton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,604 |
| 3 years | $-9,708 |
| 5 years | $-6,812 |
| 7 years | $-3,915 |
| 9 years | $-1,019 |
| 11 years | $1,877 |
| 13 years | $4,773 |
| 15 years | $7,670 |
| 17 years | $10,566 |
| 19 years | $13,462 |
| 21 years | $16,359 |
| 23 years | $19,255 |
| 25 years | $22,151 |
Top Solar Installers in Hampton
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar company since handling can be a time-consuming project. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy needs, but working with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Hampton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hampton
Although the average cost of a solar system in Hampton is $14,052, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Hampton, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,750 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Hampton, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Hampton to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Hampton homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Hampton, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut 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 (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 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.