Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rocky Mount, VA (2023 Update)
- Rocky Mount Solar Installation Cost: $14,830
- 25-Year Savings: $21,110
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rocky Mount
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Rocky Mount.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Rocky Mount it's 2.75 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.7-kW system would cost about $14,822 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Rocky Mount see about $18,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installation company in Rocky Mount, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rocky Mount
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,411 |
| 3 years | $-10,571 |
| 5 years | $-7,732 |
| 7 years | $-4,892 |
| 9 years | $-2,053 |
| 11 years | $786 |
| 13 years | $3,626 |
| 15 years | $6,465 |
| 17 years | $9,305 |
| 19 years | $12,144 |
| 21 years | $14,983 |
| 23 years | $17,823 |
| 25 years | $20,662 |
Top Solar Installers in Rocky Mount
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra energy and knowledge. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies provide can be useful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Rocky Mount
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rocky Mount
Although the average cost of a solar system in Rocky Mount is $14,822, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Rocky Mount average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can affect how much it costs. Rocky Mount's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $15,978 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $21,612 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $27,400 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $33,342 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $39,439 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $45,689 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $52,093 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $58,651 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Rocky Mount, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Rocky Mount, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rocky Mount?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,750 for a 5-kW system and $27,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Rocky Mount have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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 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.