Solar Panel Cost Guide in Herndon, VA (2023 Update)
- Herndon Solar Installation Cost: $15,573
- 25-Year Savings: $20,630
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Herndon
We go over average solar pricing in Herndon.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Herndon it's 2.75 per watt. Since a 8.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Herndon, the average price of going solar will be about $15,573 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Herndon homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Herndon can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Herndon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,125 |
| 3 years | $-11,229 |
| 5 years | $-8,332 |
| 7 years | $-5,436 |
| 9 years | $-2,540 |
| 11 years | $356 |
| 13 years | $3,253 |
| 15 years | $6,149 |
| 17 years | $9,045 |
| 19 years | $11,942 |
| 21 years | $14,838 |
| 23 years | $17,734 |
| 25 years | $20,630 |
Top Solar Installers in Herndon
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Herndon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Herndon
The cost of installing a solar system in Herndon can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation use 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 kind of 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, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Herndon average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Herndon provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Herndon homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can impact your pricing. Herndon's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Herndon know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $14,825 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $20,074 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $25,478 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $31,036 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $36,747 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $42,613 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $48,632 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $54,806 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Herndon, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Herndon, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Herndon?
The average cost of solar panels in Herndon 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Herndon?
A solar panel system isn't free in Herndon, 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 help lower the cost.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know 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 house 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.