Solar Panel Cost Guide in McLean, VA (2024 Update)

  • McLean Solar Installation Cost: $20,263
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,682
  • Payback Period: 14.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in McLean

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in McLean.

In McLean, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in McLean, most homeowners require a 8.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $20,263, or $28,976 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

Remember 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 panels you want, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in McLean

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-18,664
3 years $-15,466
5 years $-12,268
7 years $-9,070
9 years $-5,872
11 years $-2,674
13 years $524
15 years $3,722
17 years $6,919
19 years $10,117
21 years $13,315
23 years $16,513
25 years $19,711

Top Solar Installers in McLean

Installing solar panels yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.

If you're looking for a solar installer in McLean, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 McLean

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in McLean

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 McLean: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the McLean average.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in McLean have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.It’s a good idea to add 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installer you pick will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers 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 $3.73 $15,681 $11,259 14.6 years
8 kW $3.66 $20,506 $15,414 14.3 years
10 kW $3.59 $25,130 $19,770 14.0 years
12 kW $3.52 $29,553 $24,327 13.7 years
14 kW $3.45 $33,775 $29,085 13.4 years
16 kW $3.37 $37,796 $34,045 13.2 years
18 kW $3.30 $41,615 $39,205 12.9 years
20 kW $3.23 $45,234 $44,566 12.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:

  • Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's McLean, VA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in McLean?

The average cost of solar panels in McLean 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 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 McLean?

Solar panels aren’t free in McLean, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.

How will having solar panels impact my home value?

Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."

How many solar panels should I get to power 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 take a 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 cover 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.

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