Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stone Ridge, VA (2024 Update)

  • Stone Ridge Solar Installation Cost: $20,419
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,159
  • Payback Period: 13.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stone Ridge

See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Stone Ridge.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Stone Ridge, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Stone Ridge homeowner needs a 8.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,419 with the federal tax credit, or $29,199 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Stone Ridge see about $17,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Stone Ridge

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-18,820
3 years $-15,622
5 years $-12,424
7 years $-9,226
9 years $-6,029
11 years $-2,831
13 years $367
15 years $3,565
17 years $6,763
19 years $9,961
21 years $13,159
23 years $16,357
25 years $19,554

Top Solar Installers in Stone Ridge

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.

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 near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

See all of the solar companies in Stone Ridge

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stone Ridge

There are several factors that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much 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 Stone Ridge to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Stone Ridge homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Stone Ridge, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Stone Ridge know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 $3.73 $15,681 $11,493 14.4 years
8 kW $3.66 $20,506 $15,726 14.1 years
10 kW $3.59 $25,130 $20,160 13.9 years
12 kW $3.52 $29,553 $24,795 13.6 years
14 kW $3.45 $33,775 $29,632 13.3 years
16 kW $3.37 $37,796 $34,669 13.0 years
18 kW $3.30 $41,615 $39,907 12.8 years
20 kW $3.23 $45,234 $45,346 12.5 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 choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panels, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Stone Ridge, VA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Stone Ridge?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Does Stone Ridge have a net metering program?

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 buy 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.

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