Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sterling, VA (2023 Update)
- Sterling Solar Installation Cost: $15,641
- 25-Year Savings: $20,861
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sterling
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Sterling.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Sterling typically cost around 2.75. Because a 8.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Sterling, the average price of going solar will be about $15,650 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Sterling based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $17,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Sterling for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Sterling
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,520 |
| 3 years | $-15,276 |
| 5 years | $-15,033 |
| 7 years | $-14,790 |
| 9 years | $-14,546 |
| 11 years | $-14,303 |
| 13 years | $-14,060 |
| 15 years | $-13,816 |
| 17 years | $-13,573 |
| 19 years | $-13,330 |
| 21 years | $-13,086 |
| 23 years | $-12,843 |
| 25 years | $-12,600 |
Top Solar Installers in Sterling
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be hard. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, especially if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Sterling
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sterling
For many Sterling homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Sterling, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Sterling have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Sterling, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Sterling have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $14,942 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $20,230 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $25,673 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $31,270 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $37,020 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $42,925 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $48,984 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $55,196 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly influences 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:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- 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 most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Sterling, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sterling?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,750 for a 5-kW system and $27,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Sterling?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Sterling is currently $432,822, so you can expect a value of about $17,746 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Sterling is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily 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 install 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.