Solar Panel Cost Guide in Virginia Beach, VA (2023 Update)
- Virginia Beach Solar Installation Cost: $13,829
- 25-Year Savings: $22,375
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Virginia Beach
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Virginia Beach.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Virginia Beach, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.75 per watt. The average Virginia Beach homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,822 with the federal tax credit, or $19,765 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of going solar can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Virginia Beach see about $19,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Virginia Beach
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,708 |
| 3 years | $-13,467 |
| 5 years | $-13,226 |
| 7 years | $-12,984 |
| 9 years | $-12,743 |
| 11 years | $-12,502 |
| 13 years | $-12,260 |
| 15 years | $-12,019 |
| 17 years | $-11,778 |
| 19 years | $-11,536 |
| 21 years | $-11,295 |
| 23 years | $-11,053 |
| 25 years | $-10,812 |
Top Solar Installers in Virginia Beach
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Another advantage of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Virginia Beach:
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 Virginia Beach
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Virginia Beach
There are many criteria that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Virginia Beach, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,750 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Virginia Beach, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited 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
Most solar companies in Virginia Beach offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Virginia Beach, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $18,225 | 9.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $24,608 | 9.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $31,145 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $37,836 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $44,681 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $51,680 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $58,833 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $66,140 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Virginia Beach, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Virginia Beach?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,750 for a 5-kW system and $27,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Virginia Beach?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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 buy 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.