Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sandston, VA (2023 Update)
- Sandston Solar Installation Cost: $14,978
- 25-Year Savings: $21,226
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sandston
We go over average solar pricing in Sandston.
In Sandston, solar panels cost about 2.75 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Sandston is around 7.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,976 for a solar installation, or $21,416 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 will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Sandston, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sandston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,857 |
| 3 years | $-14,616 |
| 5 years | $-14,375 |
| 7 years | $-14,133 |
| 9 years | $-13,892 |
| 11 years | $-13,651 |
| 13 years | $-13,409 |
| 15 years | $-13,168 |
| 17 years | $-12,926 |
| 19 years | $-12,685 |
| 21 years | $-12,444 |
| 23 years | $-12,202 |
| 25 years | $-11,961 |
Top Solar Installers in Sandston
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra effort and expertise. For that reason, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
There are several 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
For many Sandston homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Sandston, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,750. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Sandston, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Sandston, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Sandston are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $15,906 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $21,515 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $27,279 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $33,197 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $39,269 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $45,495 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $51,875 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $58,409 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
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?
The average cost of solar panels in Sandston 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Sandston?
You can't get solar panels for free in Sandston. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Sandston, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.