Solar Panel Cost Guide in Southern Gateway, VA (2023 Update)
- Southern Gateway Solar Installation Cost: $15,207
- 25-Year Savings: $20,852
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Southern Gateway
See how much it might cost to go solar in Southern Gateway.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Southern Gateway, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.75 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Southern Gateway is around 7.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,207 for a solar installation, or $21,746 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Southern Gateway depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Southern Gateway see about $17,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installer in Southern Gateway, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Southern Gateway
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,765 |
| 3 years | $-10,880 |
| 5 years | $-7,996 |
| 7 years | $-5,111 |
| 9 years | $-2,226 |
| 11 years | $659 |
| 13 years | $3,544 |
| 15 years | $6,428 |
| 17 years | $9,313 |
| 19 years | $12,198 |
| 21 years | $15,083 |
| 23 years | $17,967 |
| 25 years | $20,852 |
Top Solar Installers in Southern Gateway
When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Southern Gateway:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Southern Gateway
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Southern Gateway
There are several criteria that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,750. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Southern Gateway homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $15,368 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $20,799 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $26,384 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $32,122 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $38,015 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $44,062 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $50,263 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $56,617 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Southern Gateway, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Southern Gateway?
The average cost of solar panels in Southern Gateway is about $13,750 for a 5-kW system and $27,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like 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?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location 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 $912.67 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 account for 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.