Solar Panel Cost Guide in Marion, VA (2023 Update)
- Marion Solar Installation Cost: $15,573
- 25-Year Savings: $20,367
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Marion
We go over average solar pricing in Marion.
In Marion, solar panels cost about 2.75 per watt on average. The average Marion homeowner needs a 8.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,573 with the federal tax credit, or $22,269 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Marion based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. With average savings of about $17,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Marion find going solar has a decent ROI.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Marion, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Marion
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,136 |
| 3 years | $-11,260 |
| 5 years | $-8,385 |
| 7 years | $-5,510 |
| 9 years | $-2,635 |
| 11 years | $240 |
| 13 years | $3,116 |
| 15 years | $5,991 |
| 17 years | $8,866 |
| 19 years | $11,741 |
| 21 years | $14,616 |
| 23 years | $17,492 |
| 25 years | $20,367 |
Top Solar Installers in Marion
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, especially if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment you need.
Working with a vetted solar installer 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
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 Marion
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Marion
For many Marion homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Marion, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Marion, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Marion homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Marion, 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 Marion know more 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 help you save 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 | $14,637 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $19,824 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $25,165 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $30,660 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $36,309 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $42,112 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $48,069 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $54,180 | 9.8 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 brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panels, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Marion, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Marion?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Marion?
You can't get solar panels for free in Marion. 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Marion?
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 utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.