Solar Panel Cost Guide in Loch Lomond, VA (2024 Update)
- Loch Lomond Solar Installation Cost: $20,044
- 25-Year Savings: $19,770
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Loch Lomond
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Loch Lomond.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Loch Lomond, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Loch Lomond is around 8.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,044 for a solar installation, or $28,663 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 will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $17,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Loch Lomond find installing solar panels can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Loch Lomond for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Loch Lomond
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,445 |
| 3 years | $-15,247 |
| 5 years | $-12,049 |
| 7 years | $-8,851 |
| 9 years | $-5,653 |
| 11 years | $-2,455 |
| 13 years | $743 |
| 15 years | $3,941 |
| 17 years | $7,138 |
| 19 years | $10,336 |
| 21 years | $13,534 |
| 23 years | $16,732 |
| 25 years | $19,930 |
Top Solar Installers in Loch Lomond
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be hard. The expertise that solar companies provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you don’t quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Loch Lomond
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Loch Lomond
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Loch Lomond: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Loch Lomond homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Loch Lomond, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $10,741 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $14,724 | 14.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $18,907 | 14.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $23,292 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $27,877 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $32,664 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $37,651 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $42,840 | 12.8 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. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- 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 will go and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
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 Loch Lomond, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Loch Lomond?
The average cost of solar panels in Loch Lomond is about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Loch Lomond?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to 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.
Does Loch Lomond 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 offer you credit toward your future power bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.