Solar Panel Cost Guide in Southern Gateway, VA (2023 Update)
- Southern Gateway Solar Installation Cost: $15,211
- 25-Year Savings: $20,848
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Southern Gateway
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Southern Gateway.
In Southern Gateway, solar panels cost about 2.75 per watt on average. Since a 7.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Southern Gateway, the average price of going solar will be about $15,207 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. Even with the large initial cost, the average Southern Gateway homeowner can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Southern Gateway, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Southern Gateway
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,612 |
| 3 years | $-10,414 |
| 5 years | $-7,217 |
| 7 years | $-4,019 |
| 9 years | $-821 |
| 11 years | $2,377 |
| 13 years | $5,575 |
| 15 years | $8,773 |
| 17 years | $11,971 |
| 19 years | $15,169 |
| 21 years | $18,367 |
| 23 years | $21,564 |
| 25 years | $24,762 |
Top Solar Installers in Southern Gateway
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a difficult project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Southern Gateway
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Southern Gateway
For many Southern Gateway homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Southern Gateway, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,750 per kilowatt in Southern Gateway. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Southern Gateway average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Southern Gateway, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Southern Gateway is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $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
Since the kind 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:
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Southern Gateway, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Southern Gateway?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Southern Gateway?
Solar panels aren't free in Southern Gateway, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is it worth going solar in Southern Gateway?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.