Solar Panel Cost Guide in Orange, VA (2024 Update)
- Orange Solar Installation Cost: $19,812
- 25-Year Savings: $20,215
- Payback Period: 14.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Orange
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Orange.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Orange it’s 4 per watt.The average Orange homeowner needs a 7.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,812 with the federal tax credit, or $28,331 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Orange homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $17,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Orange find investing in solar can pay off big.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Orange
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-18,213 |
3 years | $-15,015 |
5 years | $-11,817 |
7 years | $-8,620 |
9 years | $-5,422 |
11 years | $-2,224 |
13 years | $974 |
15 years | $4,172 |
17 years | $7,370 |
19 years | $10,568 |
21 years | $13,766 |
23 years | $16,963 |
25 years | $20,161 |
Top Solar Installers in Orange
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Orange
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Orange
The cost of installing a solar system in Orange can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Orange, 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 figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,590 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, 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 researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Orange, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Orange is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $11,253 | 14.6 years |
8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $15,406 | 14.3 years |
10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $19,760 | 14.0 years |
12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $24,315 | 13.7 years |
14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $29,071 | 13.4 years |
16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $34,029 | 13.2 years |
18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $39,187 | 12.9 years |
20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $44,546 | 12.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like to get plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Orange, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Orange?
This is a difficult 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Orange?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Orange?
Each state has some form 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 energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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.