Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stuarts Draft, VA (2024 Update)
- Stuarts Draft Solar Installation Cost: $19,773
- 25-Year Savings: $20,669
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stuarts Draft
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Stuarts Draft.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Stuarts Draft, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Stuarts Draft is around 7.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,773 for a solar installation, or $28,275 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Stuarts Draft homeowner. The cost 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.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Stuarts Draft homeowner can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Stuarts Draft, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Stuarts Draft
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,174 |
| 3 years | $-14,976 |
| 5 years | $-11,778 |
| 7 years | $-8,581 |
| 9 years | $-5,383 |
| 11 years | $-2,185 |
| 13 years | $1,013 |
| 15 years | $4,211 |
| 17 years | $7,409 |
| 19 years | $10,607 |
| 21 years | $13,805 |
| 23 years | $17,002 |
| 25 years | $20,200 |
Top Solar Installers in Stuarts Draft
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a challenging project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- 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 Stuarts Draft
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stuarts Draft
While the average cost of a solar system in Stuarts Draft is $19,773, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,590. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Stuarts Draft to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panels can play a part in determining how much it costs. Stuarts Draft’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $3.73 | $15,681 | $11,630 | 14.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $15,908 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $20,388 | 13.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $25,068 | 13.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $29,950 | 13.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $35,033 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $40,317 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $45,801 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Stuarts Draft, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Stuarts Draft?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Stuarts Draft?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Stuarts Draft?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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 get 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.