Solar Panel Cost Guide in Norton, VA (2024 Update)
- Norton Solar Installation Cost: $20,501
- 25-Year Savings: $18,653
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Norton
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Norton.
In Norton, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Norton homeowner needs a 8.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,501 with the federal tax credit, or $29,316 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Norton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,081 |
| 3 years | $-16,242 |
| 5 years | $-13,402 |
| 7 years | $-10,563 |
| 9 years | $-7,723 |
| 11 years | $-4,884 |
| 13 years | $-2,045 |
| 15 years | $795 |
| 17 years | $3,634 |
| 19 years | $6,474 |
| 21 years | $9,313 |
| 23 years | $12,152 |
| 25 years | $14,992 |
Top Solar Installers in Norton
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Norton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Norton
There are several factors that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Norton, one of the most crucial 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 determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,590 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Norton, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
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 Norton homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Norton homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Norton have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $9,588 | 15.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $13,186 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $16,985 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $20,985 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $25,187 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $29,589 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $34,192 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $38,997 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Long-standing 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 support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- 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 kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Norton, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Norton?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Norton?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Norton, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can solar panels eliminate 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 $842.31 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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 install 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.