Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harrisonburg, VA (2023 Update)
- Harrisonburg Solar Installation Cost: $15,414
- 25-Year Savings: $18,173
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harrisonburg
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Harrisonburg.
In Harrisonburg, solar panels cost about 2.75 per watt on average. Since a 8.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Harrisonburg, the average price of going solar will be about $15,419 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you may look different based on your specific situation and what company you go with. Despite the significant initial cost, the average Harrisonburg homeowner can save about $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Harrisonburg, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Harrisonburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,302 |
| 3 years | $-15,078 |
| 5 years | $-14,854 |
| 7 years | $-14,630 |
| 9 years | $-14,406 |
| 11 years | $-14,182 |
| 13 years | $-13,958 |
| 15 years | $-13,734 |
| 17 years | $-13,510 |
| 19 years | $-13,287 |
| 21 years | $-13,063 |
| 23 years | $-12,839 |
| 25 years | $-12,615 |
Top Solar Installers in Harrisonburg
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Harrisonburg, optimizing your ROI.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Harrisonburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Harrisonburg
There are several criteria that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,750. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Harrisonburg average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Harrisonburg have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Harrisonburg, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater resources and better 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 down to compete with bigger 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 | $13,155 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $17,848 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $22,695 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $27,696 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $32,851 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $38,161 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $43,624 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $49,241 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- 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.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- 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 opt for.
- 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 do the job well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Harrisonburg, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Harrisonburg?
The average cost of solar panels in Harrisonburg is about $13,750 for a 5-kW system and $27,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Harrisonburg?
A solar panel system isn't free in Harrisonburg, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Harrisonburg is currently $224,064, which means you can expect a value of about $9,187 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Harrisonburg is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.