Solar Panel Cost Guide in Williamsburg, VA (2024 Update)
- Williamsburg Solar Installation Cost: $18,883
- 25-Year Savings: $21,739
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Updated February 03, 2024
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Williamsburg
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Williamsburg.
In Williamsburg, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 7.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Williamsburg, the average price of going solar will be about $18,883 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $18,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Williamsburg for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Williamsburg
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-17,284 |
3 years | $-14,087 |
5 years | $-10,889 |
7 years | $-7,691 |
9 years | $-4,493 |
11 years | $-1,295 |
13 years | $1,903 |
15 years | $5,101 |
17 years | $8,299 |
19 years | $11,496 |
21 years | $14,694 |
23 years | $17,892 |
25 years | $21,090 |
Top Solar Installers in Williamsburg
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. The expertise that solar companies offer can be useful as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Williamsburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Williamsburg
There are a number of factors that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,590 per kilowatt in Williamsburg.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Williamsburg, where sunlight is relatively 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Williamsburg, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $13,227 | 13.6 years |
8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $18,038 | 13.3 years |
10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $23,050 | 13.0 years |
12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $28,263 | 12.8 years |
14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $33,677 | 12.5 years |
16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $39,292 | 12.3 years |
18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $45,108 | 12.0 years |
20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $51,125 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you’d like to install plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
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 Williamsburg, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Williamsburg?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Williamsburg, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.