Solar Panel Cost Guide in Warrenton, VA (2024 Update)
- Warrenton Solar Installation Cost: $20,158
- 25-Year Savings: $20,654
- Payback Period: 14.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Warrenton
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Warrenton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Warrenton, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Warrenton, most homeowners require a 8.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $20,158, or $28,826 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Warrenton homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Warrenton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,559 |
| 3 years | $-15,361 |
| 5 years | $-12,163 |
| 7 years | $-8,965 |
| 9 years | $-5,767 |
| 11 years | $-2,569 |
| 13 years | $628 |
| 15 years | $3,826 |
| 17 years | $7,024 |
| 19 years | $10,222 |
| 21 years | $13,420 |
| 23 years | $16,618 |
| 25 years | $19,816 |
Top Solar Installers in Warrenton
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your home.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers 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 Warrenton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Warrenton
The cost of installing a solar system in Warrenton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Warrenton average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Warrenton, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, 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 installation company you choose will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $3.73 | $15,681 | $11,318 | 14.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $15,493 | 14.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $19,869 | 14.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $24,446 | 13.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $29,224 | 13.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $34,203 | 13.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $39,383 | 12.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $44,764 | 12.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Warrenton, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Warrenton?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Warrenton?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
How long do solar panels last in Warrenton?
On average, solar panels can last 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.