Solar Panel Cost Guide in Norfolk, VA (2024 Update)
- Norfolk Solar Installation Cost: $18,342
- 25-Year Savings: $22,153
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Norfolk
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Norfolk.
In Norfolk, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Norfolk, most homeowners require a 7.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $18,342, or $26,229 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Norfolk can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To see 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 | $-16,743 |
| 3 years | $-13,545 |
| 5 years | $-10,348 |
| 7 years | $-7,150 |
| 9 years | $-3,952 |
| 11 years | $-754 |
| 13 years | $2,444 |
| 15 years | $5,642 |
| 17 years | $8,840 |
| 19 years | $12,038 |
| 21 years | $15,235 |
| 23 years | $18,433 |
| 25 years | $21,631 |
Top Solar Installers in Norfolk
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since installing solar panels yourself can be hard. Plus, if you’re not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels 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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Norfolk
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Norfolk
For many Norfolk homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Norfolk, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Norfolk, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,590 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Norfolk average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Norfolk homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can play a role in determining the cost. Norfolk’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk 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 | $3.73 | $15,681 | $14,079 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $19,175 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $24,471 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $29,968 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $35,666 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $41,566 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $47,666 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $53,968 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Norfolk, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Norfolk?
The average cost of solar panels in Norfolk is about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Norfolk have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to 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, solar panels can last 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.