Solar Panel Cost Guide in Independent Hill, VA (2023 Update)

  • Independent Hill Solar Installation Cost: $15,361
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,439
  • Payback Period: 10.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Independent Hill

See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Independent Hill.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Independent Hill, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.75 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Independent Hill, most homeowners require a 8.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $15,361, or $21,966 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Independent Hill see about $18,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Independent Hill

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-13,889
3 years $-10,945
5 years $-8,001
7 years $-5,057
9 years $-2,113
11 years $831
13 years $3,775
15 years $6,719
17 years $9,663
19 years $12,607
21 years $15,551
23 years $18,495
25 years $21,439

Top Solar Installers in Independent Hill

Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra time and handiness. For that reason, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your family.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Independent Hill

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Independent Hill

Though the average cost of a solar system in Independent Hill is $15,361, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,750. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Independent Hill homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Independent Hill, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.

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 $15,671 10.8 years
8 kW $2.81 $15,708 $21,203 10.6 years
10 kW $2.75 $19,250 $26,889 10.4 years
12 kW $2.69 $22,638 $32,728 10.2 years
14 kW $2.64 $25,872 $38,722 10.0 years
16 kW $2.58 $28,952 $44,870 9.8 years
18 kW $2.53 $31,878 $51,172 9.6 years
20 kW $2.48 $34,650 $57,627 9.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Independent Hill, VA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Independent Hill?

The average cost of solar panels in Independent Hill 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Independent Hill?

Solar panels aren't free in Independent Hill, 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 you can take advantage of.

Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $922.77 per year.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.

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