Solar Panel Cost Guide in Short Pump, VA (2024 Update)
- Short Pump Solar Installation Cost: $19,553
- 25-Year Savings: $20,819
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Short Pump
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Short Pump.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Short Pump generally cost around 4.The average solar panel system size in Short Pump is around 7.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,553 for a solar installation, or $27,961 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Short Pump can save about $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company 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 | $-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 Short Pump
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Short Pump
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Short Pump
The cost of installing a solar system in Short Pump can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,590.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Short Pump average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can affect your pricing. Short Pump’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $3.73 | $15,681 | $11,923 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $16,300 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $20,877 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $25,656 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $30,635 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $35,816 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $41,197 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $46,780 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Short Pump, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- 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 type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Short Pump, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Short Pump?
The average cost of solar panels in Short Pump 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Short Pump?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Short Pump. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.