Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bluefield, VA (2024 Update)
- Bluefield Solar Installation Cost: $20,758
- 25-Year Savings: $20,039
- Payback Period: 14.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bluefield
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Bluefield.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bluefield it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Bluefield, most homeowners require a 8.3-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $20,758, or $29,684 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $17,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bluefield find going solar can pay off big.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bluefield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,338 |
| 3 years | $-16,499 |
| 5 years | $-13,660 |
| 7 years | $-10,820 |
| 9 years | $-7,981 |
| 11 years | $-5,141 |
| 13 years | $-2,302 |
| 15 years | $537 |
| 17 years | $3,377 |
| 19 years | $6,216 |
| 21 years | $9,056 |
| 23 years | $11,895 |
| 25 years | $14,734 |
Top Solar Installers in Bluefield
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Another great thing about using a vetted solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Bluefield:
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 Bluefield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bluefield
The cost of installing a solar system in Bluefield can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,590.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Bluefield, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Bluefield homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Bluefield homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down 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 Bluefield is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $10,424 | 15.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $14,301 | 14.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $18,379 | 14.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $22,658 | 14.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $27,138 | 13.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $31,819 | 13.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $36,701 | 13.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $41,784 | 13.0 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 choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Bluefield, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bluefield?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Bluefield?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Bluefield. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Bluefield is currently $123,281, so you can look forward to a value of about $5,055 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Bluefield is a fruitful investment.
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 get 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.