Solar Panel Cost Guide in Quantico Base, VA (2023 Update)

  • Quantico Base Solar Installation Cost: $15,282
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,518
  • Payback Period: 10.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Quantico Base

Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Quantico Base.

In Quantico Base, solar panels cost about 2.75 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 7.9-kW system would cost about $15,284 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Quantico Base homeowner can save about $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Quantico Base that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Quantico Base

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,159
3 years $-14,914
5 years $-14,669
7 years $-14,423
9 years $-14,178
11 years $-13,933
13 years $-13,687
15 years $-13,442
17 years $-13,197
19 years $-12,951
21 years $-12,706
23 years $-12,461
25 years $-12,215

Top Solar Installers in Quantico Base

Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. 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 make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Quantico Base

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Quantico Base

The cost of installing a solar system in Quantico Base can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,750. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Quantico Base, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Quantico Base, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. 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 vehicle 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 $15,801 10.8 years
8 kW $2.81 $15,708 $21,376 10.6 years
10 kW $2.75 $19,250 $27,105 10.4 years
12 kW $2.69 $22,638 $32,988 10.2 years
14 kW $2.64 $25,872 $39,025 10.0 years
16 kW $2.58 $28,952 $45,216 9.8 years
18 kW $2.53 $31,878 $51,561 9.6 years
20 kW $2.48 $34,650 $58,060 9.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Quantico Base, VA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Quantico Base?

The average cost of solar panels in Quantico Base 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Quantico Base?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 get the most savings.

How will having solar panels impact my home value?

Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.

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.

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