Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harrisonburg, VA (2024 Update)
- Harrisonburg Solar Installation Cost: $20,122
- 25-Year Savings: $18,173
- Payback Period: 15.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harrisonburg
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Harrisonburg.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Harrisonburg is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 8.0-kW system would cost about $20,122 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Harrisonburg depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With average savings of about $16,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Harrisonburg find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Harrisonburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,607 |
| 3 years | $-15,576 |
| 5 years | $-12,545 |
| 7 years | $-9,514 |
| 9 years | $-6,483 |
| 11 years | $-3,453 |
| 13 years | $-422 |
| 15 years | $2,609 |
| 17 years | $5,640 |
| 19 years | $8,670 |
| 21 years | $11,701 |
| 23 years | $14,732 |
| 25 years | $17,763 |
Top Solar Installers in Harrisonburg
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Because solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
Working with a licensed solar installer 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
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 Harrisonburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Harrisonburg
Although the average cost of a solar system in Harrisonburg is $20,122, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. 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 crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Harrisonburg, one of the most crucial 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 consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,590 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 Harrisonburg, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Harrisonburg to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Harrisonburg, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $9,486 | 15.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $13,050 | 15.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $16,815 | 15.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $20,782 | 14.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $24,949 | 14.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $29,317 | 14.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $33,886 | 13.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $38,657 | 13.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Harrisonburg, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- 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 how long it will take.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Harrisonburg, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Harrisonburg?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Harrisonburg?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Does Harrisonburg have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
How long do solar panels last in Harrisonburg?
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.