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.
In Sandston, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.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 energy system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.With typical savings of about $18,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Sandston find investing in solar can pay off big.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installation company 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
When going solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but working with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Sandston, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Sandston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sandston
While the average cost of a solar system in Sandston is $19,553, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,590. 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, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Sandston average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Sandston, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Sandston homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 solar company you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Sandston, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sandston?
The average cost of solar panels in Sandston is about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Sandston?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property 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 financial benefits from going solar.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for 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 long do solar panels last in Sandston?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.