Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ashburn, VA (2024 Update)

  • Ashburn Solar Installation Cost: $20,419
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,040
  • Payback Period: 13.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ashburn

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Ashburn.

In Ashburn, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 8.1-kW system would cost about $20,419 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Ashburn depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Ashburn can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Ashburn

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-18,820
3 years $-15,622
5 years $-12,424
7 years $-9,226
9 years $-6,029
11 years $-2,831
13 years $367
15 years $3,565
17 years $6,763
19 years $9,961
21 years $13,159
23 years $16,357
25 years $19,554

Top Solar Installers in Ashburn

Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Plus, if you aren’t sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

See all of the solar companies in Ashburn

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ashburn

Though the average cost of a solar system in Ashburn is $20,419, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,590.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Ashburn average.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Ashburn homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can impact how much it costs. Ashburn’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. 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 access to 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 $3.73 $15,681 $11,405 14.5 years
8 kW $3.66 $20,506 $15,609 14.2 years
10 kW $3.59 $25,130 $20,013 13.9 years
12 kW $3.52 $29,553 $24,619 13.6 years
14 kW $3.45 $33,775 $29,426 13.4 years
16 kW $3.37 $37,796 $34,434 13.1 years
18 kW $3.30 $41,615 $39,643 12.8 years
20 kW $3.23 $45,234 $45,053 12.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Ashburn, VA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ashburn?

The average cost of solar panels in Ashburn is about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Ashburn?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often 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.

Is making the switch to solar worth it?

Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.

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