Solar Panel Cost Guide in University Center, VA (2023 Update)
- University Center Solar Installation Cost: $15,641
- 25-Year Savings: $20,562
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in University Center
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in University Center.
The average cost of solar panels in University Center is 2.75 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in University Center, most homeowners require a 8.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $15,650, or $22,380 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in University Center can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in University Center, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in University Center
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,042 |
| 3 years | $-10,845 |
| 5 years | $-7,647 |
| 7 years | $-4,449 |
| 9 years | $-1,251 |
| 11 years | $1,947 |
| 13 years | $5,145 |
| 15 years | $8,343 |
| 17 years | $11,541 |
| 19 years | $14,738 |
| 21 years | $17,936 |
| 23 years | $21,134 |
| 25 years | $24,332 |
Top Solar Installers in University Center
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in University Center
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in University Center
The cost of installing a solar system in University Center can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, 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 nearly $2,750. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many University Center homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout University Center, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's University Center, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in University Center?
The average cost of solar panels in University Center 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in University Center?
You can't get solar panels for free in University Center. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout University Center, 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 contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.