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.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Virginia Beach it’s 4 per watt.Since a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Virginia Beach, the average price of going solar will be about $18,053 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Virginia Beach homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Virginia Beach can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Virginia Beach, you can 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
Installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another great thing about going with a reputable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
If you're looking for a solar company in Virginia Beach, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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
For many Virginia Beach homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Virginia Beach, 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
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 figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,590 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Virginia Beach, where sunlight is 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 more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Virginia Beach have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Virginia Beach is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater 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 discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
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 tough question to answer exactly, 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with 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, as it typically 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 installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for 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 could be looking at a value of about $15,865 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Virginia Beach is a rewarding investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.