Solar Panel Cost Guide in Short Pump, VA (2023 Update)
- Short Pump Solar Installation Cost: $14,976
- 25-Year Savings: $20,821
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Short Pump
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Short Pump.
In Short Pump, solar panels cost about 2.75 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Short Pump 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.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Short Pump homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Short Pump can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Short Pump
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,545 |
| 3 years | $-10,681 |
| 5 years | $-7,817 |
| 7 years | $-4,953 |
| 9 years | $-2,089 |
| 11 years | $774 |
| 13 years | $3,638 |
| 15 years | $6,502 |
| 17 years | $9,366 |
| 19 years | $12,229 |
| 21 years | $15,093 |
| 23 years | $17,957 |
| 25 years | $20,821 |
Top Solar Installers in Short Pump
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar company since handling can be a challenging project. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Short Pump
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Short Pump
For many Short Pump homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Short Pump, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,750 per kilowatt in Short Pump. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Short Pump, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. 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 a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Short Pump, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $15,592 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $21,098 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $26,757 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $32,570 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $38,538 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $44,659 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $50,935 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $57,364 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar energy system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. 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 be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Short Pump, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Short Pump?
The average cost of solar panels in Short Pump 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 certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Short Pump?
Solar panels aren't free in Short Pump, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase how much your 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 Short Pump is currently $355,866, so you can expect a value of about $14,591 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Short Pump is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.