Solar Panel Cost Guide in Winchester, VA (2023 Update)
- Winchester Solar Installation Cost: $15,848
- 25-Year Savings: $18,733
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Winchester
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels 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 2.75 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 8.2-kW system would cost about $15,843 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Winchester homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Winchester homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Winchester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,733 |
| 3 years | $-15,502 |
| 5 years | $-15,272 |
| 7 years | $-15,041 |
| 9 years | $-14,811 |
| 11 years | $-14,580 |
| 13 years | $-14,349 |
| 15 years | $-14,119 |
| 17 years | $-13,888 |
| 19 years | $-13,658 |
| 21 years | $-13,427 |
| 23 years | $-13,197 |
| 25 years | $-12,966 |
Top Solar Installers in Winchester
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're searching for a solar company in Winchester, the EcoWatch team has 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 Winchester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Winchester
There are many criteria that can play into 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
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable 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. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Winchester offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down 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 panel installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 | $13,191 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $17,896 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $22,755 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $27,767 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $32,934 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $38,255 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $43,730 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $49,359 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Winchester, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Winchester?
The average cost of solar panels in Winchester 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Winchester is currently $248,815, so you could be looking at a value of about $10,201 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Winchester is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much 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 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.