Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Boston, VA (2023 Update)
- South Boston Solar Installation Cost: $14,719
- 25-Year Savings: $22,961
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Boston
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in South Boston.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in South Boston, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.75 per watt. Because a 7.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption 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 price you pay can be above or below the average in South Boston based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $19,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South Boston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,593 |
| 3 years | $-14,342 |
| 5 years | $-14,091 |
| 7 years | $-13,840 |
| 9 years | $-13,589 |
| 11 years | $-13,337 |
| 13 years | $-13,086 |
| 15 years | $-12,835 |
| 17 years | $-12,584 |
| 19 years | $-12,333 |
| 21 years | $-12,081 |
| 23 years | $-11,830 |
| 25 years | $-11,579 |
Top Solar Installers in South Boston
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar companies offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 install a solar energy system rests 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 significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,750 per kilowatt in South Boston. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the South Boston average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in South Boston provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. 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 can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in South Boston, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk 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 | $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
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations 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 the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's South Boston, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in South Boston?
The average cost of solar panels in South Boston 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 things like 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 South Boston?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly 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 way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.