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.
The average cost of a solar panel system in University of Virginia is 4 per watt.Because a 7.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in University of Virginia, the average price of going solar will be about $19,673 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in University of Virginia based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With average savings of about $18,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in University of Virginia find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in University of Virginia for a quote for your home.
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
When going solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 of Virginia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in University of Virginia
There are many criteria that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better 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 costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like University of Virginia, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in University of Virginia provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for University of Virginia homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies 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 find a company that offers 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 | $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
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 of Virginia, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in University of Virginia?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for 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 feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout University of Virginia, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.