Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tazewell, VA (2024 Update)
- Tazewell Solar Installation Cost: $20,758
- 25-Year Savings: $20,039
- Payback Period: 14.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tazewell
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Tazewell.
The average cost of solar panels in Tazewell is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Tazewell, most homeowners require a 8.3-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $20,758, or $29,684 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you may look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Tazewell homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Tazewell
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,338 |
| 3 years | $-16,499 |
| 5 years | $-13,660 |
| 7 years | $-10,820 |
| 9 years | $-7,981 |
| 11 years | $-5,141 |
| 13 years | $-2,302 |
| 15 years | $537 |
| 17 years | $3,377 |
| 19 years | $6,216 |
| 21 years | $9,056 |
| 23 years | $11,895 |
| 25 years | $14,734 |
Top Solar Installers in Tazewell
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra energy and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but working with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Tazewell
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tazewell
While the average cost of a solar system in Tazewell is $20,758, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many 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 size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,590. 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 over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Tazewell average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Tazewell, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Tazewell, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $10,424 | 15.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $14,301 | 14.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $18,379 | 14.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $22,658 | 14.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $27,138 | 13.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $31,819 | 13.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $36,701 | 13.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $41,784 | 13.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Tazewell, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- 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 solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Tazewell, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Tazewell?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Tazewell?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Tazewell, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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 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.