Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kingstowne, VA (2024 Update)
- Kingstowne Solar Installation Cost: $20,263
- 25-Year Savings: $20,682
- Payback Period: 14.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kingstowne
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Kingstowne.
The average cost of solar panels in Kingstowne is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Kingstowne is around 8.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,263 for a solar installation, or $28,976 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Kingstowne homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kingstowne
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,664 |
| 3 years | $-15,466 |
| 5 years | $-12,268 |
| 7 years | $-9,070 |
| 9 years | $-5,872 |
| 11 years | $-2,674 |
| 13 years | $524 |
| 15 years | $3,722 |
| 17 years | $6,919 |
| 19 years | $10,117 |
| 21 years | $13,315 |
| 23 years | $16,513 |
| 25 years | $19,711 |
Top Solar Installers in Kingstowne
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra labor and know-how. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for you.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Kingstowne, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Kingstowne
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kingstowne
For many Kingstowne homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Kingstowne, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over 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 crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Kingstowne, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Kingstowne have more knowledge 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 help you save 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 | $3.73 | $15,681 | $11,259 | 14.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $15,414 | 14.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $19,770 | 14.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $24,327 | 13.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $29,085 | 13.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $34,045 | 13.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $39,205 | 12.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $44,566 | 12.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- 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 substantial role in the company you hire.
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 Kingstowne, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kingstowne?
The average cost of solar panels in Kingstowne 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably 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 a solar system."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.