Solar Panel Cost Guide in Winchester, VA (2024 Update)
- Winchester Solar Installation Cost: $20,689
- 25-Year Savings: $18,733
- Payback Period: 15.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Winchester
We go over average solar pricing in Winchester.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Winchester, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 8.2-kW system would cost about $20,689 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Winchester that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Winchester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,161 |
| 3 years | $-16,105 |
| 5 years | $-13,050 |
| 7 years | $-9,994 |
| 9 years | $-6,938 |
| 11 years | $-3,883 |
| 13 years | $-827 |
| 15 years | $2,229 |
| 17 years | $5,284 |
| 19 years | $8,340 |
| 21 years | $11,396 |
| 23 years | $14,451 |
| 25 years | $17,507 |
Top Solar Installers in Winchester
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
Working with a professional solar installer 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
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 Winchester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Winchester
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Winchester: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Winchester, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,590 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Winchester provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Winchester is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, 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 | $9,522 | 15.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $13,098 | 15.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $16,875 | 15.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $20,853 | 14.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $25,032 | 14.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $29,412 | 14.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $33,993 | 13.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $38,775 | 13.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Winchester, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Winchester, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Winchester?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Winchester?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Winchester. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Winchester?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.