Solar Panel Cost Guide in Staunton, VA (2023 Update)
- Staunton Solar Installation Cost: $15,227
- 25-Year Savings: $20,167
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Staunton
See how much it might cost to go solar in Staunton.
In Staunton, solar panels cost about 2.75 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Staunton, most homeowners require a 7.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $15,227, or $21,775 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Staunton homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the significant initial cost, the average Staunton homeowner can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Staunton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Staunton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,811 |
| 3 years | $-10,979 |
| 5 years | $-8,148 |
| 7 years | $-5,316 |
| 9 years | $-2,485 |
| 11 years | $347 |
| 13 years | $3,178 |
| 15 years | $6,010 |
| 17 years | $8,841 |
| 19 years | $11,673 |
| 21 years | $14,504 |
| 23 years | $17,336 |
| 25 years | $20,167 |
Top Solar Installers in Staunton
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Staunton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Staunton
The cost of installing a solar system in Staunton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Staunton, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,750 for each additional kilowatt you need. 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 get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Staunton average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Staunton to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Staunton is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Staunton have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $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 company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Staunton, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install 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 real cost will depend on stuff like 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 keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
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 larger 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.