Solar Panel Cost Guide in Warrenton, VA (2023 Update)
- Warrenton Solar Installation Cost: $15,441
- 25-Year Savings: $20,654
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Warrenton
We go over average solar pricing in Warrenton.
In Warrenton, solar panels cost about 2.75 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Warrenton is around 8.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,438 for a solar installation, or $22,076 before the 30% 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 actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Warrenton can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Warrenton for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Warrenton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,842 |
| 3 years | $-10,644 |
| 5 years | $-7,446 |
| 7 years | $-4,249 |
| 9 years | $-1,051 |
| 11 years | $2,147 |
| 13 years | $5,345 |
| 15 years | $8,543 |
| 17 years | $11,741 |
| 19 years | $14,939 |
| 21 years | $18,137 |
| 23 years | $21,334 |
| 25 years | $24,532 |
Top Solar Installers in Warrenton
When going solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, especially if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Warrenton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Warrenton
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Warrenton is $15,438, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Warrenton, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,750 for each additional kilowatt you need. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions 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 searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Warrenton homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Warrenton, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $14,987 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $20,291 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $25,749 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $31,361 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $37,126 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $43,046 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $49,120 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $55,348 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Warrenton, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Warrenton?
The average cost of solar panels in Warrenton is about $13,750 for a 5-kW system and $27,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Warrenton?
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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
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 Warrenton is currently $422,368, which means you can look forward to a value of about $17,317 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Warrenton is a rewarding 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 decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.