Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tazewell, VA (Feb 2023)
- Tazewell Solar Installation Cost: $15,900
- 25-Year Savings: $20,040
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tazewell
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Tazewell.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Tazewell it's $3 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Tazewell is around 8.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,900 for a solar installation, or $11,766 after the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Tazewell 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. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Tazewell can save about $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Tazewell
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,463 |
| 3 years | $-11,588 |
| 5 years | $-8,712 |
| 7 years | $-5,837 |
| 9 years | $-2,962 |
| 11 years | $-87 |
| 13 years | $2,788 |
| 15 years | $5,664 |
| 17 years | $8,539 |
| 19 years | $11,414 |
| 21 years | $14,289 |
| 23 years | $17,164 |
| 25 years | $20,040 |
Top Solar Installers in Tazewell
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and knowledge. That's why most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
There are several 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 (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Tazewell
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tazewell
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Tazewell is $15,900, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Tazewell, 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 usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,750 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Tazewell average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Tazewell, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's wise to add 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in your total 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 can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount 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 | $14,094 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $19,099 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $24,259 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $29,573 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $35,041 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $40,663 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $46,439 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $52,368 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Tazewell, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Tazewell?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Tazewell?
A solar panel system isn't free in Tazewell, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Tazewell is currently $110,867, so you can look forward to a value of about $4,546 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Tazewell is a rewarding investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.