Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stafford Courthouse, VA (2023 Update)
- Stafford Courthouse Solar Installation Cost: $15,207
- 25-Year Savings: $21,148
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stafford Courthouse
We break down average solar pricing in Stafford Courthouse.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Stafford Courthouse typically cost about 2.75. The average solar panel system size in Stafford Courthouse 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.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Stafford Courthouse homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Stafford Courthouse
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,753 |
| 3 years | $-10,845 |
| 5 years | $-7,936 |
| 7 years | $-5,028 |
| 9 years | $-2,119 |
| 11 years | $789 |
| 13 years | $3,698 |
| 15 years | $6,606 |
| 17 years | $9,515 |
| 19 years | $12,423 |
| 21 years | $15,332 |
| 23 years | $18,240 |
| 25 years | $21,148 |
Top Solar Installers in Stafford Courthouse
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra labor and handiness. For that reason, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your home.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Stafford Courthouse
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stafford Courthouse
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Stafford Courthouse: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,750. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Stafford Courthouse homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Stafford Courthouse, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $15,593 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $21,099 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $26,759 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $32,572 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $38,540 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $44,662 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $50,937 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $57,367 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- 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 most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you'd like plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer 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 your electrical system or roof.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 $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 such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Stafford Courthouse?
You can't get solar panels for free in Stafford Courthouse. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
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 $920.17 per year.
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 generally 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.