Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Riding, VA (2024 Update)
- South Riding Solar Installation Cost: $20,419
- 25-Year Savings: $21,159
- Payback Period: 13.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Riding
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in South Riding.
The average cost of a solar system in South Riding is 4 per watt.The average South Riding homeowner needs a 8.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,419 with the federal tax credit, or $29,199 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.With typical savings of about $17,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in South Riding find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in South Riding that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in South Riding
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,820 |
| 3 years | $-15,622 |
| 5 years | $-12,424 |
| 7 years | $-9,226 |
| 9 years | $-6,029 |
| 11 years | $-2,831 |
| 13 years | $367 |
| 15 years | $3,565 |
| 17 years | $6,763 |
| 19 years | $9,961 |
| 21 years | $13,159 |
| 23 years | $16,357 |
| 25 years | $19,554 |
Top Solar Installers in South Riding
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar company too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
If you're searching for a solar installer in South Riding, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in South Riding
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Riding
The cost of installing a solar system in South Riding can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like South Riding, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in South Riding offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for South Riding homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
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 Riding is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $11,493 | 14.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $15,726 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $20,160 | 13.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $24,795 | 13.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $29,632 | 13.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $34,669 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $39,907 | 12.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $45,346 | 12.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in South Riding, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like to install plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's South Riding, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in South Riding?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more 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 want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in South Riding?
You can’t get solar panels for free in South Riding. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does South Riding have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.