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
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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.Using this figure, a typical 8.1-kW system would cost about $20,263 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Even with the high initial cost, the average McLean homeowner can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in McLean that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
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
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, going with 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 put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 McLean
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in McLean
There are a number of factors that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in McLean, one of the most important 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 usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,590 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the McLean average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in McLean, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in McLean, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within 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
There are numerous companies available in McLean, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely 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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in McLean?
You can’t get solar panels for free in McLean. However, you may still be able to afford 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.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose 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."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses 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.
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.