Solar Panel Cost Guide in Herndon, VA (2024 Update)
- Herndon Solar Installation Cost: $20,341
- 25-Year Savings: $20,622
- Payback Period: 14.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Herndon
We break down average solar pricing in Herndon.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Herndon it’s 4 per watt.The average Herndon homeowner needs a 8.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,341 with the federal tax credit, or $29,088 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs may look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Herndon can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Herndon for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Herndon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,742 |
| 3 years | $-15,544 |
| 5 years | $-12,346 |
| 7 years | $-9,148 |
| 9 years | $-5,950 |
| 11 years | $-2,752 |
| 13 years | $446 |
| 15 years | $3,644 |
| 17 years | $6,841 |
| 19 years | $10,039 |
| 21 years | $13,237 |
| 23 years | $16,435 |
| 25 years | $19,633 |
Top Solar Installers in Herndon
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be challenging. Another upside of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Herndon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Herndon
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Herndon: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,590 per kilowatt in Herndon.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 get 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, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Herndon average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Herndon, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $3.73 | $15,681 | $11,156 | 14.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $15,276 | 14.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $19,598 | 14.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $24,121 | 13.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $28,844 | 13.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $33,769 | 13.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $38,895 | 12.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $44,222 | 12.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types 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, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure 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: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Herndon, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Herndon?
The average cost of solar panels in Herndon is about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Herndon?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Herndon?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.