Solar Panel Cost Guide in Woodbridge, VA (2023 Update)
- Woodbridge Solar Installation Cost: $15,354
- 25-Year Savings: $21,447
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Woodbridge
We go over average solar pricing in Woodbridge.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Woodbridge, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.75 per watt. The average Woodbridge homeowner needs a 8.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,361 with the federal tax credit, or $21,966 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Woodbridge based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Woodbridge see about $18,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Woodbridge for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Woodbridge
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,755 |
| 3 years | $-10,557 |
| 5 years | $-7,359 |
| 7 years | $-4,161 |
| 9 years | $-963 |
| 11 years | $2,235 |
| 13 years | $5,432 |
| 15 years | $8,630 |
| 17 years | $11,828 |
| 19 years | $15,026 |
| 21 years | $18,224 |
| 23 years | $21,422 |
| 25 years | $24,620 |
Top Solar Installers in Woodbridge
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Woodbridge:
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 Woodbridge
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Woodbridge
There are a number of factors that can influence your total 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 adopting solar energy 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 $2,750 per kilowatt in Woodbridge. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 can expect 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
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Woodbridge is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. 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 access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $15,671 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $21,203 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $26,889 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $32,728 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $38,722 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $44,870 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $51,172 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $57,627 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system 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 the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's important to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Woodbridge, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Woodbridge?
The average cost of solar panels in Woodbridge is about $13,750 for a 5-kW system and $27,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Woodbridge?
You can't get solar panels for free in Woodbridge. 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'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Woodbridge?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.