Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Hill, VA (2023 Update)
- South Hill Solar Installation Cost: $14,698
- 25-Year Savings: $24,151
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Hill
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in South Hill.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in South Hill it's 2.75 per watt. The average solar panel system size in South Hill is around 7.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,707 for a solar installation, or $21,031 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of South Hill homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $19,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in South Hill find going solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in South Hill for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in South Hill
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,569 |
| 3 years | $-14,310 |
| 5 years | $-14,051 |
| 7 years | $-13,792 |
| 9 years | $-13,533 |
| 11 years | $-13,274 |
| 13 years | $-13,015 |
| 15 years | $-12,756 |
| 17 years | $-12,497 |
| 19 years | $-12,238 |
| 21 years | $-11,979 |
| 23 years | $-11,720 |
| 25 years | $-11,461 |
Top Solar Installers in South Hill
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
Working with a licensed 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
See all of the solar companies in South Hill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Hill
Though the average cost of a solar system in South Hill is $14,707, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,750. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many South Hill homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in South Hill is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $2.86 | $12,012 | $18,515 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $24,995 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $31,629 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $38,417 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $45,358 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $52,454 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $59,704 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $67,108 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's South Hill, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in South Hill?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,750 for a 5-kW system and $27,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in South Hill?
A solar panel system isn't free in South Hill, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,017.58 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had 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.