Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harrisonburg, VA (Mar 2023)
- Harrisonburg Solar Installation Cost: $15,419
- 25-Year Savings: $18,167
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harrisonburg
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Harrisonburg.
In Harrisonburg, solar panels cost about 2.75 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Harrisonburg is around 8.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,419 for a solar installation, or $22,049 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Harrisonburg based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Harrisonburg homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Harrisonburg, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Harrisonburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,076 |
| 3 years | $-11,389 |
| 5 years | $-8,702 |
| 7 years | $-6,015 |
| 9 years | $-3,328 |
| 11 years | $-641 |
| 13 years | $2,046 |
| 15 years | $4,733 |
| 17 years | $7,420 |
| 19 years | $10,106 |
| 21 years | $12,793 |
| 23 years | $15,480 |
| 25 years | $18,167 |
Top Solar Installers in Harrisonburg
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy usage, but going with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Harrisonburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Harrisonburg
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Harrisonburg: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Harrisonburg is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Additionally, some companies in Harrisonburg have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $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 numerous companies available in Harrisonburg, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Harrisonburg, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install 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.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Harrisonburg?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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.