Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stuarts Draft, VA (2025 Update)
- Stuarts Draft Solar Installation Cost: $19,773
- 25-Year Savings: $20,669
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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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 typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Stuarts Draft, most homeowners require a 7.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $19,773, or $28,275 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Stuarts Draft based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer 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 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 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
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Another good thing about going with a reliable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Stuarts Draft
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stuarts Draft
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Stuarts Draft: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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 searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Stuarts Draft to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.It’s a good idea to factor 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
The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Stuarts Draft, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.
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
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Stuarts Draft, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
EcoWatch's Stuarts Draft, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Stuarts Draft?
This is a tough 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Stuarts Draft?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Does Stuarts Draft have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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.