Solar Panel Cost Guide in Blacksburg, VA (2024 Update)
- Blacksburg Solar Installation Cost: $19,812
- 25-Year Savings: $23,309
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Blacksburg
We go over average solar pricing in Blacksburg.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Blacksburg, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average Blacksburg homeowner needs a 7.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,812 with the federal tax credit, or $28,331 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Blacksburg depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With average savings of about $19,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Blacksburg find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Blacksburg for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Blacksburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,392 |
| 3 years | $-15,552 |
| 5 years | $-12,713 |
| 7 years | $-9,874 |
| 9 years | $-7,034 |
| 11 years | $-4,195 |
| 13 years | $-1,355 |
| 15 years | $1,484 |
| 17 years | $4,323 |
| 19 years | $7,163 |
| 21 years | $10,002 |
| 23 years | $12,842 |
| 25 years | $15,681 |
Top Solar Installers in Blacksburg
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be challenging. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your family.
If you're searching for a solar company in Blacksburg, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Blacksburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Blacksburg
Although the average cost of a solar system in Blacksburg is $19,812, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Blacksburg homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Blacksburg have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $13,608 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $18,546 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $23,686 | 12.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $29,026 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $34,567 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $40,309 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $46,253 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $52,397 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Blacksburg, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
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 Blacksburg, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Blacksburg?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Blacksburg?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Blacksburg have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates 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 long do solar panels last in Blacksburg?
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.