Solar Panel Cost Guide in Suffolk, VA (Sep 2022)
- Suffolk Solar Installation Cost: $14,553
- 25-Year Savings: $21,064
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Updated 9/16/2022
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Suffolk
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Suffolk.
In Suffolk, solar panels cost about $3 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Suffolk is around 7.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,553 for a solar installation, or $10,769 after the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Suffolk homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Suffolk see about $18,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Suffolk, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Suffolk
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,128 |
| 3 years | $-10,279 |
| 5 years | $-7,430 |
| 7 years | $-4,580 |
| 9 years | $-1,731 |
| 11 years | $1,119 |
| 13 years | $3,968 |
| 15 years | $6,817 |
| 17 years | $9,667 |
| 19 years | $12,516 |
| 21 years | $15,365 |
| 23 years | $18,215 |
| 25 years | $21,064 |
Top Solar Installers in Suffolk
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since installing solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company 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 factors that can determine 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 panels.
Solar Equipment Size
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Suffolk, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,750 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than 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 researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Suffolk provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. 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 how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can play a role in determining your pricing. Suffolk's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and better 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 lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $16,243 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $21,966 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $27,842 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $33,873 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $40,057 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $46,396 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $52,888 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $59,535 | 9.2 years |
Solar Incentives in Suffolk
| Name | Income Tax Deduction for Energy-Efficient Products |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Local Option- Renewable Energy Machinery and Tools Property Tax Exemption |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Local Option - Residential Property Tax Exemption for Solar |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar energy system, checking your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 real cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Suffolk?
The majority of states have 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 utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 how much 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 cover 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.
