Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sugarland Run, VA (2023 Update)

  • Sugarland Run Solar Installation Cost: $15,641
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,562
  • Payback Period: 10.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sugarland Run

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Sugarland Run.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Sugarland Run typically cost about 2.75. The average Sugarland Run homeowner needs a 8.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,650 with the federal tax credit, or $22,380 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Sugarland Run homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Sugarland Run homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Sugarland Run

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,521
3 years $-15,279
5 years $-15,038
7 years $-14,797
9 years $-14,555
11 years $-14,314
13 years $-14,073
15 years $-13,831
17 years $-13,590
19 years $-13,348
21 years $-13,107
23 years $-12,866
25 years $-12,624

Top Solar Installers in Sugarland Run

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but going with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Sugarland Run

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sugarland Run

Although the average cost of a solar system in Sugarland Run is $15,650, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,750. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Sugarland Run, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Sugarland Run is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 $14,722 11.2 years
8 kW $2.81 $15,708 $19,937 11.0 years
10 kW $2.75 $19,250 $25,306 10.8 years
12 kW $2.69 $22,638 $30,829 10.6 years
14 kW $2.64 $25,872 $36,506 10.4 years
16 kW $2.58 $28,952 $42,337 10.2 years
18 kW $2.53 $31,878 $48,323 9.9 years
20 kW $2.48 $34,650 $54,462 9.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:

  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
  • Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Sugarland Run, VA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sugarland Run?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Do solar panels increase your home value?

Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Sugarland Run is currently $376,000, which means you could be looking at a value of about $15,416 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Sugarland Run is a worthwhile investment.

How many solar panels do I need to power 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 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 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.

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