Solar Panel Cost Guide in Norton, VA (Mar 2023)
- Norton Solar Installation Cost: $15,708
- 25-Year Savings: $18,649
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Norton
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Norton.
In Norton, solar panels cost about 2.75 per watt on average. Because a 8.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Norton, the average price of going solar will be about $15,708 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Norton depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Norton can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Norton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Norton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,334 |
| 3 years | $-11,585 |
| 5 years | $-8,837 |
| 7 years | $-6,088 |
| 9 years | $-3,339 |
| 11 years | $-591 |
| 13 years | $2,158 |
| 15 years | $4,906 |
| 17 years | $7,655 |
| 19 years | $10,404 |
| 21 years | $13,152 |
| 23 years | $15,901 |
| 25 years | $18,649 |
Top Solar Installers in Norton
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra labor and know-how. Because of that, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Norton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Norton
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Norton: 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 price of a solar 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 electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,750 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Norton to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Norton, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $13,257 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $17,984 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $22,865 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $27,900 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $33,089 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $38,432 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $43,930 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $49,581 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Norton, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Norton?
The average cost of solar panels in Norton is about $13,750 for a 5-kW system and $27,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Norton?
You can't get solar panels for free in Norton. However, you may still be able to afford 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.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Norton?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.