Solar Panel Cost Guide in Leesburg, VA (2024 Update)
- Leesburg Solar Installation Cost: $20,419
- 25-Year Savings: $21,159
- Payback Period: 13.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Leesburg
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Leesburg.
In Leesburg, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 8.1-kW system would cost about $20,419 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Leesburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,820 |
| 3 years | $-15,622 |
| 5 years | $-12,424 |
| 7 years | $-9,226 |
| 9 years | $-6,029 |
| 11 years | $-2,831 |
| 13 years | $367 |
| 15 years | $3,565 |
| 17 years | $6,763 |
| 19 years | $9,961 |
| 21 years | $13,159 |
| 23 years | $16,357 |
| 25 years | $19,554 |
Top Solar Installers in Leesburg
When going solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy needs, but going with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Leesburg, 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 Leesburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Leesburg
Though the average cost of a solar system in Leesburg is $20,419, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Leesburg, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,590 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Leesburg, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Leesburg to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Leesburg is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $11,493 | 14.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $15,726 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $20,160 | 13.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $24,795 | 13.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $29,632 | 13.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $34,669 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $39,907 | 12.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $45,346 | 12.5 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 models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
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 Leesburg, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Leesburg?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Leesburg?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Leesburg, 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 can help lower the cost.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
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 Leesburg is currently $756,483, so you can look forward to a value of about $31,016 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Leesburg is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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 household 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.