Solar Panel Cost Guide in University of Virginia, VA (2024 Update)
- University of Virginia Solar Installation Cost: $19,673
- 25-Year Savings: $21,813
- Payback Period: 13.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in University of Virginia
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in University of Virginia.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in University of Virginia generally cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in University of Virginia is around 7.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,673 for a solar installation, or $28,132 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you may differ based on your specific situation and what company you go with.Even with the high initial cost, the average University of Virginia homeowner can save about $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in University of Virginia, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in University of Virginia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,164 |
| 3 years | $-15,145 |
| 5 years | $-12,126 |
| 7 years | $-9,108 |
| 9 years | $-6,089 |
| 11 years | $-3,071 |
| 13 years | $-52 |
| 15 years | $2,967 |
| 17 years | $5,985 |
| 19 years | $9,004 |
| 21 years | $12,023 |
| 23 years | $15,041 |
| 25 years | $18,060 |
Top Solar Installers in University of Virginia
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and handiness. That's why most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Because solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels 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 University of Virginia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in University of Virginia
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in University of Virginia: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production need 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 $3,590.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like University of Virginia, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many University of Virginia homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can affect the cost. University of Virginia’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that 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 at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has 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 | $3.73 | $15,681 | $12,587 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $17,185 | 13.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $21,984 | 13.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $26,983 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $32,184 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $37,586 | 12.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $43,189 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $48,993 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in University of Virginia, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
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 University of Virginia, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in University of Virginia?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in University of Virginia?
A solar panel system isn’t free in University of Virginia, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $942.27 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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 household 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.