Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Boston, VA (Mar 2023)
- South Boston Solar Installation Cost: $14,726
- 25-Year Savings: $22,954
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Boston
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in South Boston.
In South Boston, solar panels cost about 2.75 per watt on average. Because a 7.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in South Boston, the average price of going solar will be about $14,726 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in South Boston depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in South Boston see about $19,000 in savings on utility 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 South Boston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,219 |
| 3 years | $-10,205 |
| 5 years | $-7,190 |
| 7 years | $-4,176 |
| 9 years | $-1,162 |
| 11 years | $1,853 |
| 13 years | $4,867 |
| 15 years | $7,882 |
| 17 years | $10,896 |
| 19 years | $13,910 |
| 21 years | $16,925 |
| 23 years | $19,939 |
| 25 years | $22,954 |
Top Solar Installers in South Boston
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 South Boston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Boston
For many South Boston homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in South Boston, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably 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 going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,750 per kilowatt in South Boston. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in South Boston to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in South Boston is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $17,555 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $23,715 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $30,028 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $36,496 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $43,118 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $49,893 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $56,823 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $63,907 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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 South Boston, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in South Boston?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,750 for a 5-kW system and $27,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in South Boston?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get 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 savings from going solar.
Does South Boston have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
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 requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.