Solar Panel Cost Guide in Leesburg, VA (Mar 2023)
- Leesburg Solar Installation Cost: $15,650
- 25-Year Savings: $21,150
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Leesburg
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Leesburg.
In Leesburg, solar panels cost about 2.75 per watt on average. The average Leesburg homeowner needs a 8.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,650 with the federal tax credit, or $22,380 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Leesburg can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Leesburg that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Leesburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,178 |
| 3 years | $-11,234 |
| 5 years | $-8,290 |
| 7 years | $-5,346 |
| 9 years | $-2,402 |
| 11 years | $542 |
| 13 years | $3,486 |
| 15 years | $6,430 |
| 17 years | $9,374 |
| 19 years | $12,318 |
| 21 years | $15,262 |
| 23 years | $18,206 |
| 25 years | $21,150 |
Top Solar Installers in Leesburg
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your family.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels 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 (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Leesburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Leesburg
For many Leesburg 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 Leesburg, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,750. 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. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Leesburg provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Leesburg homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure 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 panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar energy system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Leesburg, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Leesburg?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Leesburg?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Leesburg?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.