Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sugarland Run, VA (2024 Update)
- Sugarland Run Solar Installation Cost: $20,419
- 25-Year Savings: $20,562
- Payback Period: 14.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sugarland Run
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Sugarland Run.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sugarland Run, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 8.1-kW system would cost about $20,419 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Sugarland Run homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Sugarland Run homeowner can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sugarland Run
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,820 |
| 3 years | $-15,622 |
| 5 years | $-12,424 |
| 7 years | $-9,226 |
| 9 years | $-6,029 |
| 11 years | $-2,831 |
| 13 years | $367 |
| 15 years | $3,565 |
| 17 years | $6,763 |
| 19 years | $9,961 |
| 21 years | $13,159 |
| 23 years | $16,357 |
| 25 years | $19,554 |
Top Solar Installers in Sugarland Run
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you aren’t sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Sugarland Run
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sugarland Run
There are many factors that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Sugarland Run, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,590 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Sugarland Run, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Sugarland Run is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of 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 discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $3.73 | $15,681 | $11,052 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $15,139 | 14.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $19,426 | 14.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $23,914 | 13.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $28,604 | 13.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $33,494 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $38,585 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $43,878 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Sugarland Run, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sugarland Run?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Sugarland Run?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Sugarland Run?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.