Solar Panel Cost Guide in Marion, VA (2025 Update)
- Marion Solar Installation Cost: $20,335
- 25-Year Savings: $20,363
- Payback Period: 14.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Marion
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Marion.
In Marion, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Marion is around 8.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,335 for a solar installation, or $29,079 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 consumption, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.Even with the large initial cost, the average Marion homeowner can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Marion
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,915 |
| 3 years | $-16,076 |
| 5 years | $-13,236 |
| 7 years | $-10,397 |
| 9 years | $-7,557 |
| 11 years | $-4,718 |
| 13 years | $-1,879 |
| 15 years | $961 |
| 17 years | $3,800 |
| 19 years | $6,640 |
| 21 years | $9,479 |
| 23 years | $12,318 |
| 25 years | $15,158 |
Top Solar Installers in Marion
Installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money over time.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Marion
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Marion
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Marion: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Marion, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,590 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Marion, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Marion homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $10,968 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $15,026 | 14.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $19,285 | 14.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $23,745 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $28,406 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $33,268 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $38,331 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $43,596 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar energy system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
EcoWatch's Marion, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Marion?
The average cost of solar panels in Marion 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 stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Marion?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Marion?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.