Solar Panel Cost Guide in Montclair, VA (2025 Update)
- Montclair Solar Installation Cost: $20,044
- 25-Year Savings: $19,930
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Montclair
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Montclair.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Montclair it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Montclair is around 8.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,044 for a solar installation, or $28,663 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.With typical savings of about $18,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Montclair find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Montclair
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,445 |
| 3 years | $-15,247 |
| 5 years | $-12,049 |
| 7 years | $-8,851 |
| 9 years | $-5,653 |
| 11 years | $-2,455 |
| 13 years | $743 |
| 15 years | $3,941 |
| 17 years | $7,138 |
| 19 years | $10,336 |
| 21 years | $13,534 |
| 23 years | $16,732 |
| 25 years | $19,930 |
Top Solar Installers in Montclair
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Montclair
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Montclair
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Montclair: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,590 per kilowatt in Montclair.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Montclair provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Montclair, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have 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 promotion 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 | $3.73 | $15,681 | $12,002 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $16,405 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $21,009 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $25,814 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $30,819 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $36,026 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $41,434 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $47,043 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, 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
EcoWatch's Montclair, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Montclair?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $922.77 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power 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 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 buy 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.