Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pulaski, VA (2023 Update)
- Pulaski Solar Installation Cost: $15,227
- 25-Year Savings: $20,713
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pulaski
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Pulaski.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Pulaski, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.75 per watt. Because a 7.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Pulaski, the average price of going solar will be about $15,227 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Pulaski homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $17,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Pulaski find going solar has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Pulaski for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Pulaski
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,789 |
| 3 years | $-10,914 |
| 5 years | $-8,039 |
| 7 years | $-5,164 |
| 9 years | $-2,288 |
| 11 years | $587 |
| 13 years | $3,462 |
| 15 years | $6,337 |
| 17 years | $9,212 |
| 19 years | $12,088 |
| 21 years | $14,963 |
| 23 years | $17,838 |
| 25 years | $20,713 |
Top Solar Installers in Pulaski
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar companies offer can be valuable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Pulaski:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Pulaski
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pulaski
Though the average cost of a solar system in Pulaski is $15,227, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,750. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Pulaski, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. 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 difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Pulaski, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Pulaski is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $2.86 | $12,012 | $15,261 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $20,656 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $26,205 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $31,908 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $37,766 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $43,777 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $49,942 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $56,261 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system 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 tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. 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 be sure to ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Get details 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.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Pulaski, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pulaski?
The average cost of solar panels in Pulaski 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 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 Pulaski?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Pulaski, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 stop working completely 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 after having 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.