Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Hill, VA (2025 Update)
- South Hill Solar Installation Cost: $19,188
- 25-Year Savings: $24,151
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Hill
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in South Hill.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in South Hill, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in South Hill, most homeowners require a 7.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $19,188, or $27,439 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in South Hill depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in South Hill see about $19,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South Hill
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,589 |
| 3 years | $-14,391 |
| 5 years | $-11,193 |
| 7 years | $-7,996 |
| 9 years | $-4,798 |
| 11 years | $-1,600 |
| 13 years | $1,598 |
| 15 years | $4,796 |
| 17 years | $7,994 |
| 19 years | $11,192 |
| 21 years | $14,390 |
| 23 years | $17,587 |
| 25 years | $20,785 |
Top Solar Installers in South Hill
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in South Hill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Hill
For many South Hill homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in South Hill, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly 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 installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,590 per kilowatt in South Hill.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in South Hill, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in South Hill, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $14,846 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $20,197 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $25,749 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $31,502 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $37,456 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $43,611 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $49,967 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $56,524 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- 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 most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
EcoWatch's South Hill, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in South Hill?
The average cost of solar panels in South Hill is about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in South Hill?
Even 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 choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.