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.Using this figure, a typical 8.1-kW system would cost about $20,341 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Herndon can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
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
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Herndon, therefore optimizing your ROI.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Herndon, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Herndon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Herndon
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Herndon is $20,341, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Herndon, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Herndon is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- 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.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
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 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 $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Does Herndon 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 utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.