Solar Panel Cost Guide in Norfolk, VA (2023 Update)
- Norfolk Solar Installation Cost: $14,052
- 25-Year Savings: $22,151
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Norfolk
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Norfolk.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Norfolk it's 2.75 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Norfolk, most homeowners require a 7.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $14,052, or $20,094 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Norfolk homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Norfolk homeowner can save about $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Norfolk
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,604 |
| 3 years | $-9,708 |
| 5 years | $-6,812 |
| 7 years | $-3,915 |
| 9 years | $-1,019 |
| 11 years | $1,877 |
| 13 years | $4,773 |
| 15 years | $7,670 |
| 17 years | $10,566 |
| 19 years | $13,462 |
| 21 years | $16,359 |
| 23 years | $19,255 |
| 25 years | $22,151 |
Top Solar Installers in Norfolk
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since installing solar panels on your own can be hard. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Norfolk:
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 Norfolk
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Norfolk
There are a number of factors that can play into your solar system 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Norfolk, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's wise to include 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Some companies 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 go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 | $17,748 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $23,973 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $30,351 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $36,883 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $43,569 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $50,409 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $57,403 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $64,552 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Norfolk, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Norfolk?
The average cost of solar panels in Norfolk is about $13,750 for a 5-kW system and $27,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Norfolk?
You can't get solar panels for free in Norfolk. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Norfolk?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
How long do solar panels last in Norfolk?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.