Solar Panel Cost Guide in Laurel Hill, VA (2023 Update)
- Laurel Hill Solar Installation Cost: $15,515
- 25-Year Savings: $20,688
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Laurel Hill
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Laurel Hill.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Laurel Hill it's 2.75 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Laurel Hill is around 8.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,515 for a solar installation, or $22,186 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Laurel Hill can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Laurel Hill
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,067 |
| 3 years | $-11,171 |
| 5 years | $-8,275 |
| 7 years | $-5,378 |
| 9 years | $-2,482 |
| 11 years | $414 |
| 13 years | $3,310 |
| 15 years | $6,207 |
| 17 years | $9,103 |
| 19 years | $11,999 |
| 21 years | $14,896 |
| 23 years | $17,792 |
| 25 years | $20,688 |
Top Solar Installers in Laurel Hill
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and handiness. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Laurel Hill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Laurel Hill
For many Laurel Hill homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Laurel Hill, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,750. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Laurel Hill to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Laurel Hill, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Laurel Hill are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about 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 end up saving you 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 | $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
The solar company you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound 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 certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like to get plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
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 Laurel Hill, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Laurel Hill?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $898.00 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.