Solar Panel Cost Guide in McNair, VA (2025 Update)

  • McNair Solar Installation Cost: $20,263
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,711
  • 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 January 24, 2025

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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 McNair

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in McNair.

The average cost of solar panels in McNair is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in McNair is around 8.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,263 for a solar installation, or $28,976 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average McNair homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in McNair can save about $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a personalized estimate.

Solar savings over time in McNair

YearReturn 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 McNair

DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy consumption, but going with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

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Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

See all of the solar companies in McNair

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in McNair

There are a number of factors that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in McNair, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,590 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in McNair, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for McNair homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you pick will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in McNair know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.73$15,681$11,25914.6 years
8 kW$3.66$20,506$15,41414.3 years
10 kW$3.59$25,130$19,77014.0 years
12 kW$3.52$29,553$24,32713.7 years
14 kW$3.45$33,775$29,08513.4 years
16 kW$3.37$37,796$34,04513.2 years
18 kW$3.30$41,615$39,20512.9 years
20 kW$3.23$45,234$44,56612.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
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Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

EcoWatch's McNair, VA Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in McNair is about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in McNair?

Each state has some form 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 usage 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 install 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.