Solar Panel Cost Guide in Poquoson, VA (2024 Update)
- Poquoson Solar Installation Cost: $18,315
- 25-Year Savings: $22,174
- Payback Period: 12.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Poquoson
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Poquoson.
The average cost of solar panels in Poquoson is 4 per watt.The average Poquoson homeowner needs a 7.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,315 with the federal tax credit, or $26,190 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Poquoson based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With average savings of about $19,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Poquoson find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Poquoson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,716 |
| 3 years | $-13,518 |
| 5 years | $-10,320 |
| 7 years | $-7,122 |
| 9 years | $-3,924 |
| 11 years | $-726 |
| 13 years | $2,471 |
| 15 years | $5,669 |
| 17 years | $8,867 |
| 19 years | $12,065 |
| 21 years | $15,263 |
| 23 years | $18,461 |
| 25 years | $21,659 |
Top Solar Installers in Poquoson
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, using a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Poquoson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Poquoson
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Poquoson: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,590.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Poquoson, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Poquoson, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Poquoson, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Poquoson are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $14,124 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $19,234 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $24,545 | 12.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $30,057 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $35,771 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $41,685 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $47,800 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $54,116 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- 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 adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
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 Poquoson, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Poquoson?
The average cost of solar panels in Poquoson is about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type 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 Poquoson?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide 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.