Solar Panel Cost Guide in Staunton, VA (2023 Update)
- Staunton Solar Installation Cost: $15,234
- 25-Year Savings: $20,160
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Staunton
We go over average solar pricing in Staunton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Staunton, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.75 per watt. The average Staunton homeowner needs a 7.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,227 with the federal tax credit, or $21,775 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Staunton homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Staunton can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Staunton for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Staunton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,116 |
| 3 years | $-14,880 |
| 5 years | $-14,644 |
| 7 years | $-14,408 |
| 9 years | $-14,172 |
| 11 years | $-13,937 |
| 13 years | $-13,701 |
| 15 years | $-13,465 |
| 17 years | $-13,229 |
| 19 years | $-12,993 |
| 21 years | $-12,757 |
| 23 years | $-12,521 |
| 25 years | $-12,285 |
Top Solar Installers in Staunton
When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Staunton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Staunton
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Staunton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Staunton to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Staunton is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, 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 | $2.86 | $12,012 | $14,822 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $20,071 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $25,473 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $31,030 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $36,741 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $42,605 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $48,624 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $54,797 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Staunton, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Staunton?
The average cost of solar panels in Staunton 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Staunton?
Solar panels aren't free in Staunton, 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 you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Staunton is currently $188,402, so you could be looking at a value of about $7,724 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Staunton is a rewarding investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.