Solar Panel Cost Guide in Montclair, VA (2023 Update)
- Montclair Solar Installation Cost: $15,354
- 25-Year Savings: $21,447
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Montclair
We go over average solar pricing in Montclair.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Montclair, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.75 per watt. The average Montclair homeowner needs a 8.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,361 with the federal tax credit, or $21,966 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Montclair depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Montclair see about $18,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Montclair
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,231 |
| 3 years | $-14,986 |
| 5 years | $-14,740 |
| 7 years | $-14,495 |
| 9 years | $-14,250 |
| 11 years | $-14,004 |
| 13 years | $-13,759 |
| 15 years | $-13,514 |
| 17 years | $-13,268 |
| 19 years | $-13,023 |
| 21 years | $-12,778 |
| 23 years | $-12,532 |
| 25 years | $-12,287 |
Top Solar Installers in Montclair
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and know-how. That's why most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy usage, but working with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you're looking for a solar company in Montclair, 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
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 considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Montclair: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Montclair, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,750 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Montclair offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Montclair, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $15,671 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $21,203 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $26,889 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $32,728 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $38,722 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $44,870 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $51,172 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $57,627 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer 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 things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Montclair?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Montclair?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Montclair, 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 many solar panels do I need 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 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.