Solar Panel Cost Guide in Southern Gateway, VA (2024 Update)
- Southern Gateway Solar Installation Cost: $19,858
- 25-Year Savings: $20,848
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Southern Gateway
We break down average solar pricing in Southern Gateway.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Southern Gateway is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Southern Gateway is around 7.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,858 for a solar installation, or $28,397 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Southern Gateway based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Southern Gateway homeowner can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Southern Gateway
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,259 |
| 3 years | $-15,061 |
| 5 years | $-11,863 |
| 7 years | $-8,665 |
| 9 years | $-5,467 |
| 11 years | $-2,269 |
| 13 years | $929 |
| 15 years | $4,127 |
| 17 years | $7,324 |
| 19 years | $10,522 |
| 21 years | $13,720 |
| 23 years | $16,918 |
| 25 years | $20,116 |
Top Solar Installers in Southern Gateway
When going solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Another great thing about using a vetted solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Southern Gateway, 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 Southern Gateway
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Southern Gateway
There are several factors that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Southern Gateway to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can influence the cost. Southern Gateway’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, 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 | $11,699 | 14.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $16,001 | 14.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $20,504 | 13.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $25,208 | 13.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $30,112 | 13.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $35,218 | 12.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $40,525 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $46,033 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
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 Southern Gateway, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Southern Gateway?
The average cost of solar panels in Southern Gateway is about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Southern Gateway have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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 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.