Solar Panel Cost Guide in Waynesboro, VA (2023 Update)
- Waynesboro Solar Installation Cost: $15,227
- 25-Year Savings: $20,167
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Waynesboro
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Waynesboro.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Waynesboro generally cost around 2.75. Using this figure, a typical 7.9-kW system would cost about $15,227 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Waynesboro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,811 |
| 3 years | $-10,979 |
| 5 years | $-8,148 |
| 7 years | $-5,316 |
| 9 years | $-2,485 |
| 11 years | $347 |
| 13 years | $3,178 |
| 15 years | $6,010 |
| 17 years | $8,841 |
| 19 years | $11,673 |
| 21 years | $14,504 |
| 23 years | $17,336 |
| 25 years | $20,167 |
Top Solar Installers in Waynesboro
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to go with a solar company since handling can be a challenging project. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Waynesboro:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Waynesboro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Waynesboro
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Waynesboro: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,750. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Waynesboro provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Waynesboro, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $14,846 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $20,102 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $25,513 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $31,078 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $36,796 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $42,669 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $48,695 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $54,876 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panel system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Waynesboro, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Waynesboro?
The average cost of solar panels in Waynesboro is about $13,750 for a 5-kW system and $27,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Waynesboro, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 higher amount 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.