Solar Panel Cost Guide in Williamsburg, VA (Mar 2023)
- Williamsburg Solar Installation Cost: $14,457
- 25-Year Savings: $21,747
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Williamsburg
We break down average solar pricing in Williamsburg.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Williamsburg, the average cost of solar panels is 2.75 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.5-kW system would cost about $14,457 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $18,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Williamsburg find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To get a free estimate from a top solar company in Williamsburg, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Williamsburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,009 |
| 3 years | $-10,112 |
| 5 years | $-7,216 |
| 7 years | $-4,320 |
| 9 years | $-1,423 |
| 11 years | $1,473 |
| 13 years | $4,369 |
| 15 years | $7,266 |
| 17 years | $10,162 |
| 19 years | $13,058 |
| 21 years | $15,954 |
| 23 years | $18,851 |
| 25 years | $21,747 |
Top Solar Installers in Williamsburg
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your family.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Williamsburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Williamsburg
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Williamsburg: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over 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 most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater 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. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Williamsburg to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Williamsburg homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Williamsburg, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and bulk 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 promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $16,896 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $22,836 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $28,930 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $35,177 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $41,579 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $48,135 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $54,845 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $61,709 | 9.0 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 choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Williamsburg, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Williamsburg?
The average cost of solar panels in Williamsburg 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Williamsburg?
You can't get solar panels for free in Williamsburg. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $963.59 per year.
What solar power system size is right for 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.