Solar Panel Cost Guide in Big Stone Gap, VA (2024 Update)
- Big Stone Gap Solar Installation Cost: $20,584
- 25-Year Savings: $18,263
- Payback Period: 15.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Big Stone Gap
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Big Stone Gap.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Big Stone Gap it’s 4 per watt.The average Big Stone Gap homeowner needs a 8.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,584 with the federal tax credit, or $29,435 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Big Stone Gap homeowner can save about $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Big Stone Gap that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Big Stone Gap
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,165 |
| 3 years | $-16,325 |
| 5 years | $-13,486 |
| 7 years | $-10,646 |
| 9 years | $-7,807 |
| 11 years | $-4,968 |
| 13 years | $-2,128 |
| 15 years | $711 |
| 17 years | $3,551 |
| 19 years | $6,390 |
| 21 years | $9,229 |
| 23 years | $12,069 |
| 25 years | $14,908 |
Top Solar Installers in Big Stone Gap
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive 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 the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Big Stone Gap:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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
See all of the solar companies in Big Stone Gap
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Big Stone Gap
While the average cost of a solar system in Big Stone Gap is $20,584, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Big Stone Gap to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Big Stone Gap is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $9,247 | 15.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $12,731 | 15.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $16,416 | 15.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $20,303 | 14.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $24,390 | 14.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $28,678 | 14.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $33,168 | 13.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $37,858 | 13.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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
EcoWatch's Big Stone Gap, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Big Stone Gap?
The average cost of solar panels in Big Stone Gap 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Big Stone Gap?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Big Stone Gap, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Big Stone Gap?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
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 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 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.