Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pantops, VA (2024 Update)
- Pantops Solar Installation Cost: $19,673
- 25-Year Savings: $20,321
- Payback Period: 13.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pantops
See how much it might cost to go solar in Pantops.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Pantops it’s 4 per watt.The average Pantops homeowner needs a 7.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,673 with the federal tax credit, or $28,132 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pantops
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,074 |
| 3 years | $-14,876 |
| 5 years | $-11,678 |
| 7 years | $-8,481 |
| 9 years | $-5,283 |
| 11 years | $-2,085 |
| 13 years | $1,113 |
| 15 years | $4,311 |
| 17 years | $7,509 |
| 19 years | $10,707 |
| 21 years | $13,905 |
| 23 years | $17,103 |
| 25 years | $20,300 |
Top Solar Installers in Pantops
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra effort and know-how. That's why most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but working with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Pantops, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Pantops
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pantops
There are many factors that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Pantops, 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 usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,590 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Pantops, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Pantops is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you’ll have 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 | $11,443 | 14.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $15,660 | 14.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $20,077 | 13.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $24,696 | 13.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $29,516 | 13.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $34,536 | 13.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $39,758 | 12.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $45,181 | 12.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel 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 a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Pantops, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pantops?
The average cost of solar panels in Pantops 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Pantops?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Pantops?
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 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.