Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stuarts Draft, VA (2023 Update)
- Stuarts Draft Solar Installation Cost: $15,147
- 25-Year Savings: $20,669
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stuarts Draft
We break down average solar pricing in Stuarts Draft.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Stuarts Draft is 2.75 per watt. The average Stuarts Draft homeowner needs a 7.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,150 with the federal tax credit, or $21,664 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on your specific situation and what company you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Stuarts Draft can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Stuarts Draft for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Stuarts Draft
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,027 |
| 3 years | $-14,788 |
| 5 years | $-14,550 |
| 7 years | $-14,311 |
| 9 years | $-14,072 |
| 11 years | $-13,833 |
| 13 years | $-13,595 |
| 15 years | $-13,356 |
| 17 years | $-13,117 |
| 19 years | $-12,878 |
| 21 years | $-12,640 |
| 23 years | $-12,401 |
| 25 years | $-12,162 |
Top Solar Installers in Stuarts Draft
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra time and handiness. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment you need.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Stuarts Draft
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stuarts Draft
While the average cost of a solar system in Stuarts Draft is $15,150, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,750. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Stuarts Draft, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $15,299 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $20,706 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $26,268 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $31,983 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $37,853 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $43,876 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $50,054 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $56,385 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Stuarts Draft, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Stuarts Draft?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Stuarts Draft?
You can't get solar panels for free in Stuarts Draft. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $910.35 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Stuarts Draft?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.