Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sandston, VA (2023 Update)
- Sandston Solar Installation Cost: $14,976
- 25-Year Savings: $21,227
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sandston
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Sandston.
In Sandston, solar panels cost about 2.75 per watt on average. Since a 7.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Sandston, the average price of going solar will be about $14,976 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Sandston based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sandston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,528 |
| 3 years | $-10,632 |
| 5 years | $-7,736 |
| 7 years | $-4,839 |
| 9 years | $-1,943 |
| 11 years | $953 |
| 13 years | $3,849 |
| 15 years | $6,746 |
| 17 years | $9,642 |
| 19 years | $12,538 |
| 21 years | $15,435 |
| 23 years | $18,331 |
| 25 years | $21,227 |
Top Solar Installers in Sandston
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Sandston:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Sandston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sandston
There are a number of criteria that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,750. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Sandston, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Sandston, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within 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 | $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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 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 $13,750 for a 5-kW system and $27,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Sandston?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually 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 get the most savings.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Sandston is currently $186,387, so you can look forward to a value of about $7,642 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Sandston is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Sandston?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of 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 keep using 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.