Solar Panel Cost Guide in Leesburg, VA (2023 Update)
- Leesburg Solar Installation Cost: $15,641
- 25-Year Savings: $21,159
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Leesburg
We break down average solar pricing in Leesburg.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Leesburg is 2.75 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Leesburg is around 8.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,650 for a solar installation, or $22,380 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Leesburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,042 |
| 3 years | $-10,845 |
| 5 years | $-7,647 |
| 7 years | $-4,449 |
| 9 years | $-1,251 |
| 11 years | $1,947 |
| 13 years | $5,145 |
| 15 years | $8,343 |
| 17 years | $11,541 |
| 19 years | $14,738 |
| 21 years | $17,936 |
| 23 years | $21,134 |
| 25 years | $24,332 |
Top Solar Installers in Leesburg
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Leesburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Leesburg
Though the average cost of a solar system in Leesburg is $15,650, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about 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 into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Leesburg, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's a good idea to factor 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 how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can affect the cost. Leesburg's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $15,162 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $20,524 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $26,040 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $31,710 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $37,534 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $43,512 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $49,644 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $55,930 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Leesburg, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Leesburg?
The average cost of solar panels in Leesburg 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Leesburg?
You can't get solar panels for free in Leesburg. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Leesburg have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 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.