Solar Panel Cost Guide in Poquoson, VA (Mar 2023)
- Poquoson Solar Installation Cost: $14,033
- 25-Year Savings: $22,170
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Poquoson
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Poquoson.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Poquoson it's 2.75 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Poquoson is around 7.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,033 for a solar installation, or $20,067 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Poquoson homeowner can save about $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Poquoson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,585 |
| 3 years | $-9,689 |
| 5 years | $-6,792 |
| 7 years | $-3,896 |
| 9 years | $-1,000 |
| 11 years | $1,896 |
| 13 years | $4,793 |
| 15 years | $7,689 |
| 17 years | $10,585 |
| 19 years | $13,482 |
| 21 years | $16,378 |
| 23 years | $19,274 |
| 25 years | $22,170 |
Top Solar Installers in Poquoson
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Poquoson:
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 Poquoson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Poquoson
For many Poquoson homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Poquoson, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,750 per kilowatt in Poquoson. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions 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 into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Poquoson is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Additionally, some companies in Poquoson have more knowledge 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 | $2.86 | $12,012 | $17,793 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $24,032 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $30,425 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $36,972 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $43,673 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $50,528 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $57,537 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $64,700 | 8.7 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. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance 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: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before making your decision.
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 Poquoson, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Poquoson?
The average cost of solar panels in Poquoson 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Poquoson?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to 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.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Poquoson, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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.