Solar Panel Cost Guide in Virginia Beach, VA (2024 Update)
- Virginia Beach Solar Installation Cost: $18,053
- 25-Year Savings: $22,375
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Virginia Beach
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Virginia Beach.
In Virginia Beach, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $18,053 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Despite the high initial cost, the average Virginia Beach homeowner can save about $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
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 | $-16,454 |
| 3 years | $-13,256 |
| 5 years | $-10,059 |
| 7 years | $-6,861 |
| 9 years | $-3,663 |
| 11 years | $-465 |
| 13 years | $2,733 |
| 15 years | $5,931 |
| 17 years | $9,129 |
| 19 years | $12,327 |
| 21 years | $15,524 |
| 23 years | $18,722 |
| 25 years | $21,920 |
Top Solar Installers in Virginia Beach
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel installer since installing solar panels yourself can be challenging. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money over time.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar 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 Virginia Beach
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Virginia Beach
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Virginia Beach: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Virginia Beach, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Virginia Beach have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $14,556 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $19,810 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $25,265 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $30,921 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $36,778 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $42,836 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $49,096 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $55,556 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer 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:
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar panels, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind 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 take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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 Virginia Beach, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Virginia Beach?
The average cost of solar panels in Virginia Beach is about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Virginia Beach?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 option if you want to get the most savings.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Virginia Beach is currently $386,959, so you can look forward to a value of about $15,865 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Virginia Beach is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.