Solar Panel Cost Guide in Virginia, MN (2024 Update)
- Virginia Solar Installation Cost: $21,487
- 25-Year Savings: $19,923
- Payback Period: 15.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Virginia
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Virginia.
In Virginia, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 7.6-kW system would cost about $21,487 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $17,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Virginia find going solar can be quite rewarding.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Virginia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,095 |
| 3 years | $-17,310 |
| 5 years | $-14,525 |
| 7 years | $-11,740 |
| 9 years | $-8,956 |
| 11 years | $-6,171 |
| 13 years | $-3,386 |
| 15 years | $-601 |
| 17 years | $2,184 |
| 19 years | $4,969 |
| 21 years | $7,753 |
| 23 years | $10,538 |
| 25 years | $13,323 |
Top Solar Installers in Virginia
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
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 Virginia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Virginia
The cost of installing a solar system in Virginia can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels 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 spend around $4,030 per kilowatt in Virginia.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Virginia, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Virginia homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Virginia is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up 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 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 | $4.19 | $17,603 | $10,018 | 15.9 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $13,809 | 15.6 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $17,826 | 15.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $22,068 | 15.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $26,536 | 14.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $31,229 | 14.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $36,149 | 14.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $41,294 | 13.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panel system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
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 Virginia, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Virginia?
The average cost of solar panels in Virginia is about $20,150 for a 5-kW system and $40,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Virginia?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Does Virginia have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Virginia?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having 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.