Solar Panel Cost Guide in Richlands, VA (2024 Update)
- Richlands Solar Installation Cost: $20,758
- 25-Year Savings: $20,039
- Payback Period: 14.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Richlands
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Richlands.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Richlands typically cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Richlands is around 8.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,758 for a solar installation, or $29,684 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.With average savings of about $17,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Richlands find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Richlands for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Richlands
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,338 |
| 3 years | $-16,499 |
| 5 years | $-13,660 |
| 7 years | $-10,820 |
| 9 years | $-7,981 |
| 11 years | $-5,141 |
| 13 years | $-2,302 |
| 15 years | $537 |
| 17 years | $3,377 |
| 19 years | $6,216 |
| 21 years | $9,056 |
| 23 years | $11,895 |
| 25 years | $14,734 |
Top Solar Installers in Richlands
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and expertise. Because of that, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your family.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations 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 Richlands
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Richlands
The cost of installing a solar system in Richlands can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Richlands, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,590 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Richlands to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Richlands, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $10,424 | 15.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $14,301 | 14.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $18,379 | 14.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $22,658 | 14.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $27,138 | 13.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $31,819 | 13.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $36,701 | 13.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $41,784 | 13.0 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. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Richlands, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Richlands?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Richlands?
Solar panels aren’t free in Richlands, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 buy 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.