Solar Panel Cost Guide in Suffolk, VA (Aug 2022)
- Suffolk Solar Installation Cost: $15,385
- 25-Year Savings: $20,233
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Updated 7/19/2022
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Suffolk
We go over average solar pricing in Suffolk.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Suffolk it's $3 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.6 would cost about $15,385 before the federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. With typical savings of about $18,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Suffolk find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Suffolk
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,960 |
| 3 years | $-11,111 |
| 5 years | $-8,261 |
| 7 years | $-5,412 |
| 9 years | $-2,562 |
| 11 years | $287 |
| 13 years | $3,136 |
| 15 years | $5,986 |
| 17 years | $8,835 |
| 19 years | $11,685 |
| 21 years | $14,534 |
| 23 years | $17,383 |
| 25 years | $20,233 |
Top Solar Installers in Suffolk
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be challenging. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Suffolk, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
The Green Panel
- 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 Suffolk
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Suffolk
There are a number of criteria that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment Size
System size is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Suffolk average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Suffolk to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Suffolk homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Suffolk is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $12,698 | $15,557 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $16,606 | $21,068 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $20,350 | $26,742 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $23,932 | $32,579 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $27,350 | $38,579 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $30,606 | $44,741 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $33,700 | $51,067 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $36,630 | $57,555 | 9.7 years |
Solar Incentives in Suffolk
| Name | ITC |
| Type | Tax Incentive |
| Incentive Amount | 26% of installation cost |
| Website | Visit here |
| Name | Local Option- Renewable Energy Machinery and Tools Property Tax Exemption |
| Incentive Amount | Depends on the local governing body |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Local Option - Residential Property Tax Exemption for Solar |
| Incentive Amount | Varies (local option) |
| Incentive Max | Varies (local option) |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar 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 tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
The Green Panel
- 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 Suffolk, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Suffolk?
The average cost of solar panels in Suffolk is about $13,750 for a 5-kW system and $27,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Suffolk?
A solar panel system isn't free in Suffolk, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Suffolk?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can 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?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.
