Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kingstowne, VA (2023 Update)
- Kingstowne Solar Installation Cost: $15,521
- 25-Year Savings: $20,682
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kingstowne
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Kingstowne.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Kingstowne is 2.75 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Kingstowne, most homeowners require a 8.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $15,515, or $22,186 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Kingstowne homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $17,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Kingstowne find going solar has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Kingstowne that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Kingstowne
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,401 |
| 3 years | $-15,159 |
| 5 years | $-14,918 |
| 7 years | $-14,677 |
| 9 years | $-14,435 |
| 11 years | $-14,194 |
| 13 years | $-13,953 |
| 15 years | $-13,711 |
| 17 years | $-13,470 |
| 19 years | $-13,229 |
| 21 years | $-12,987 |
| 23 years | $-12,746 |
| 25 years | $-12,504 |
Top Solar Installers in Kingstowne
Installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your family.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Kingstowne
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kingstowne
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Kingstowne: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Kingstowne, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,750 for each additional kilowatt you need. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Kingstowne, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can impact your pricing. Kingstowne's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $14,928 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $20,212 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $25,650 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $31,242 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $36,988 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $42,888 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $48,942 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $55,150 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Kingstowne, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- 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 completion timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Kingstowne, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Kingstowne?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,750 for a 5-kW system and $27,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Kingstowne?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Kingstowne is currently $470,994, so you can look forward to a value of about $19,311 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Kingstowne is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 buy 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.