Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stone Ridge, VA (Feb 2023)
- Stone Ridge Solar Installation Cost: $15,650
- 25-Year Savings: $21,150
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stone Ridge
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Stone Ridge.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Stone Ridge it's $3 per watt. Because a 8.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Stone Ridge, the average price of going solar will be about $15,650 before claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. With average savings of about $17,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Stone Ridge find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Stone Ridge
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,178 |
| 3 years | $-11,234 |
| 5 years | $-8,290 |
| 7 years | $-5,346 |
| 9 years | $-2,402 |
| 11 years | $542 |
| 13 years | $3,486 |
| 15 years | $6,430 |
| 17 years | $9,374 |
| 19 years | $12,318 |
| 21 years | $15,262 |
| 23 years | $18,206 |
| 25 years | $21,150 |
Top Solar Installers in Stone Ridge
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be challenging. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels 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 (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 Stone Ridge
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stone Ridge
While the average cost of a solar system in Stone Ridge is $15,650, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,750. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Stone Ridge, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Stone Ridge offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $15,162 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $20,524 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $26,040 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $31,710 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $37,534 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $43,512 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $49,644 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $55,930 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable 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 good reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Stone Ridge, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Stone Ridge?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.