Solar Panel Cost Guide in Orange, VA (Mar 2023)
- Orange Solar Installation Cost: $15,169
- 25-Year Savings: $20,222
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Orange
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Orange.
The average cost of a solar system in Orange is 2.75 per watt. Because a 7.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Orange, the average price of going solar will be about $15,169 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $17,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Orange find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
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 Orange
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,753 |
| 3 years | $-10,922 |
| 5 years | $-8,091 |
| 7 years | $-5,260 |
| 9 years | $-2,428 |
| 11 years | $403 |
| 13 years | $3,234 |
| 15 years | $6,066 |
| 17 years | $8,897 |
| 19 years | $11,728 |
| 21 years | $14,559 |
| 23 years | $17,391 |
| 25 years | $20,222 |
Top Solar Installers in Orange
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be challenging. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Orange:
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 Orange
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Orange
There are a number of criteria that can play into 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,750 per kilowatt in Orange. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than 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 looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Orange provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. It's a good idea to factor 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Orange is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $14,922 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $20,204 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $25,640 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $31,230 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $36,974 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $42,872 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $48,924 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $55,130 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Orange, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
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 Orange, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Orange?
The average cost of solar panels in Orange 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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Orange?
You can't get solar panels for free in Orange. However, you may still be able to get 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 Orange?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates 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 many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.