Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mechanicsville, VA (2023 Update)
- Mechanicsville Solar Installation Cost: $15,066
- 25-Year Savings: $20,325
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mechanicsville
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Mechanicsville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Mechanicsville it's 2.75 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Mechanicsville, most homeowners require a 7.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $15,073, or $21,554 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. With typical savings of about $17,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Mechanicsville find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mechanicsville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,467 |
| 3 years | $-10,270 |
| 5 years | $-7,072 |
| 7 years | $-3,874 |
| 9 years | $-676 |
| 11 years | $2,522 |
| 13 years | $5,720 |
| 15 years | $8,918 |
| 17 years | $12,116 |
| 19 years | $15,313 |
| 21 years | $18,511 |
| 23 years | $21,709 |
| 25 years | $24,907 |
Top Solar Installers in Mechanicsville
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra energy and expertise. Because of that, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Mechanicsville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mechanicsville
The cost of installing a solar system in Mechanicsville can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
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 raise or lower 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 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 energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Mechanicsville homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. It's a good idea 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 how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Mechanicsville is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and better 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 down to compete with bigger companies.
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
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Mechanicsville, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mechanicsville?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Mechanicsville, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Mechanicsville?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.