Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rocky Mount, VA (2024 Update)
- Rocky Mount Solar Installation Cost: $19,360
- 25-Year Savings: $21,110
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rocky Mount
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Rocky Mount.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Rocky Mount typically cost around 4.The average solar panel system size in Rocky Mount is around 7.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,360 for a solar installation, or $27,685 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $18,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Rocky Mount find going solar can pay off big.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rocky Mount
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,941 |
| 3 years | $-15,101 |
| 5 years | $-12,262 |
| 7 years | $-9,422 |
| 9 years | $-6,583 |
| 11 years | $-3,744 |
| 13 years | $-904 |
| 15 years | $1,935 |
| 17 years | $4,775 |
| 19 years | $7,614 |
| 21 years | $10,453 |
| 23 years | $13,293 |
| 25 years | $16,132 |
Top Solar Installers in Rocky Mount
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your home.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Rocky Mount
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rocky Mount
For many Rocky Mount homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Rocky Mount, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation use 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 $3,590.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Rocky Mount provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Rocky Mount, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $12,309 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $16,814 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $21,520 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $26,428 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $31,536 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $36,845 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $42,355 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $48,067 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar energy system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Rocky Mount, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rocky Mount?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Rocky Mount?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Rocky Mount have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy 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?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.