Solar Panel Cost Guide in Highland Springs, VA (2023 Update)
- Highland Springs Solar Installation Cost: $14,976
- 25-Year Savings: $21,227
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Highland Springs
We break down average solar pricing in Highland Springs.
The average cost of solar panels in Highland Springs is 2.75 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.8-kW system would cost about $14,976 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Highland Springs homeowners. The cost 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. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Highland Springs for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Highland Springs
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,528 |
| 3 years | $-10,632 |
| 5 years | $-7,736 |
| 7 years | $-4,839 |
| 9 years | $-1,943 |
| 11 years | $953 |
| 13 years | $3,849 |
| 15 years | $6,746 |
| 17 years | $9,642 |
| 19 years | $12,538 |
| 21 years | $15,435 |
| 23 years | $18,331 |
| 25 years | $21,227 |
Top Solar Installers in Highland Springs
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Another advantage of going with a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Highland Springs
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Highland Springs
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Highland Springs: 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and kind 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 are often more expensive 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Highland Springs have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Highland Springs, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $2.86 | $12,012 | $15,906 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $21,515 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $27,279 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $33,197 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $39,269 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $45,495 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $51,875 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $58,409 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Solar 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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Highland Springs, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Highland Springs?
The average cost of solar panels in Highland Springs 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 things like 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 Highland Springs?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Highland Springs 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 give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.