Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Riding, VA (2023 Update)
- South Riding Solar Installation Cost: $15,650
- 25-Year Savings: $21,150
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Riding
We go over average solar pricing in South Riding.
In South Riding, solar panels cost about 2.75 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in South Riding, most homeowners require a 8.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $15,650, or $22,380 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in South Riding can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a top solar company in South Riding, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South Riding
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,178 |
| 3 years | $-11,234 |
| 5 years | $-8,290 |
| 7 years | $-5,346 |
| 9 years | $-2,402 |
| 11 years | $542 |
| 13 years | $3,486 |
| 15 years | $6,430 |
| 17 years | $9,374 |
| 19 years | $12,318 |
| 21 years | $15,262 |
| 23 years | $18,206 |
| 25 years | $21,150 |
Top Solar Installers in South Riding
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since installing solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in South Riding
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Riding
Even though the average cost of a solar system in South Riding is $15,650, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in South Riding, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,750 for each additional kilowatt you need. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in South Riding, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in South Riding, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in South Riding know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $15,162 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $20,524 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $26,040 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $31,710 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $37,534 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $43,512 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $49,644 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $55,930 | 9.6 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:
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's South Riding, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in South Riding?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-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.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in South Riding?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in South Riding, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.