Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stafford Courthouse, VA (2024 Update)
- Stafford Courthouse Solar Installation Cost: $19,858
- 25-Year Savings: $21,145
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stafford Courthouse
We go over average solar pricing in Stafford Courthouse.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Stafford Courthouse it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Stafford Courthouse 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.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Stafford Courthouse for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Stafford Courthouse
| 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 Stafford Courthouse
Installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another upside of going with a solar company is that they can help you optimize your investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 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 Stafford Courthouse
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stafford Courthouse
While the average cost of a solar system in Stafford Courthouse is $19,858, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,590.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Stafford Courthouse average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Stafford Courthouse to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.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 principal 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 installer you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Stafford Courthouse, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Stafford Courthouse know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $3.73 | $15,681 | $11,924 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $16,301 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $20,879 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $25,657 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $30,637 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $35,818 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $41,200 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $46,783 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Stafford Courthouse, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Stafford Courthouse?
The average cost of solar panels in Stafford Courthouse 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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Stafford Courthouse 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 utility bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 house 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.