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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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Williamsburg
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Williamsburg.
The average cost of a solar system in Williamsburg is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Williamsburg, most homeowners require a 7.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $18,883, or $27,003 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Williamsburg for a quote for your home.
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 opt for a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Williamsburg, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Williamsburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Williamsburg
Though the average cost of a solar system in Williamsburg is $18,883, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,590 per kilowatt in Williamsburg.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Williamsburg average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.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 off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can impact your pricing. Williamsburg’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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
The solar panel company you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Long-running companies 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: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar panel system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration 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 cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. 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.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 get 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.