Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mechanicsville, VA (Mar 2023)
- Mechanicsville Solar Installation Cost: $15,073
- 25-Year Savings: $20,318
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mechanicsville
We go over average solar pricing in Mechanicsville.
In Mechanicsville, solar panels cost about 2.75 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 7.8-kW system would cost about $15,073 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mechanicsville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,657 |
| 3 years | $-10,826 |
| 5 years | $-7,995 |
| 7 years | $-5,163 |
| 9 years | $-2,332 |
| 11 years | $499 |
| 13 years | $3,331 |
| 15 years | $6,162 |
| 17 years | $8,993 |
| 19 years | $11,824 |
| 21 years | $14,656 |
| 23 years | $17,487 |
| 25 years | $20,318 |
Top Solar Installers in Mechanicsville
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, particularly if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Mechanicsville:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Mechanicsville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mechanicsville
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Mechanicsville is $15,073, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,750. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof 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. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Mechanicsville homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. It's a good idea to include 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 how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Mechanicsville, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 decide on the 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 | $2.86 | $12,012 | $15,119 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $20,467 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $25,968 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $31,624 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $37,433 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $43,397 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $49,515 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $55,786 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Mechanicsville, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mechanicsville?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Mechanicsville?
Solar panels aren't free in Mechanicsville, 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.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.