Solar Panel Cost Guide in Newport News, VA (2023 Update)
- Newport News Solar Installation Cost: $14,149
- 25-Year Savings: $22,055
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Newport News
We go over average solar pricing in Newport News.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Newport News typically cost around 2.75. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Newport News, most homeowners require a 7.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $14,149, or $20,233 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Newport News homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $19,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Newport News find going solar can be quite rewarding.
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 Newport News
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,701 |
| 3 years | $-9,804 |
| 5 years | $-6,908 |
| 7 years | $-4,012 |
| 9 years | $-1,115 |
| 11 years | $1,781 |
| 13 years | $4,677 |
| 15 years | $7,574 |
| 17 years | $10,470 |
| 19 years | $13,366 |
| 21 years | $16,262 |
| 23 years | $19,159 |
| 25 years | $22,055 |
Top Solar Installers in Newport News
Installing solar panels on your own can be a challenging task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you're looking for a solar company in Newport News, we've organized 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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Newport News
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Newport News
There are several factors that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production need 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 kind 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 limited roof space 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 increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Newport News to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, 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 keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Newport News, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $17,523 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $23,672 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $29,975 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $36,432 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $43,043 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $49,808 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $56,726 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $63,799 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Reputation: Well-established companies 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 quality 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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Newport News, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Newport News?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Newport News?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Does Newport News have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.