Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sandston, VA (2024 Update)
- Sandston Solar Installation Cost: $19,553
- 25-Year Savings: $21,226
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sandston
We go over average solar pricing in Sandston.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sandston, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average Sandston homeowner needs a 7.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,553 with the federal tax credit, or $27,961 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Sandston, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sandston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,954 |
| 3 years | $-14,756 |
| 5 years | $-11,558 |
| 7 years | $-8,361 |
| 9 years | $-5,163 |
| 11 years | $-1,965 |
| 13 years | $1,233 |
| 15 years | $4,431 |
| 17 years | $7,629 |
| 19 years | $10,827 |
| 21 years | $14,025 |
| 23 years | $17,223 |
| 25 years | $20,420 |
Top Solar Installers in Sandston
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Another advantage of working with a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are various 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
See all of the solar companies in Sandston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sandston
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Sandston: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Sandston, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,590 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Sandston, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Sandston to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically 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 add-on 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 | $3.73 | $15,681 | $12,236 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $16,717 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $21,399 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $26,282 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $31,366 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $36,651 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $42,137 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $47,825 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel 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 difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Sandston, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sandston?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Sandston?
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.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
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 should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.