Solar Panel Cost Guide in University Center, VA (2023 Update)
- University Center Solar Installation Cost: $15,650
- 25-Year Savings: $20,554
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in University Center
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in University Center.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in University Center it's 2.75 per watt. Because a 8.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in University Center, the average price of going solar will be about $15,650 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in University Center can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in University Center
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,202 |
| 3 years | $-11,306 |
| 5 years | $-8,410 |
| 7 years | $-5,513 |
| 9 years | $-2,617 |
| 11 years | $279 |
| 13 years | $3,176 |
| 15 years | $6,072 |
| 17 years | $8,968 |
| 19 years | $11,865 |
| 21 years | $14,761 |
| 23 years | $17,657 |
| 25 years | $20,554 |
Top Solar Installers in University Center
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installation company since handling can be a time-consuming project. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 University Center
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in University Center
For many University Center homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in University Center, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,750. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in University Center is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits 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 | $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 choose will impact 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 several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the durability of your solar panels, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good 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 certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
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 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for 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.