Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bridgewater, VA (2024 Update)
- Bridgewater Solar Installation Cost: $20,066
- 25-Year Savings: $20,023
- Payback Period: 14.2 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 Bridgewater
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Bridgewater.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Bridgewater generally cost about 4.The average Bridgewater homeowner needs a 8.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,066 with the federal tax credit, or $28,694 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Bridgewater homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bridgewater
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,467 |
| 3 years | $-15,269 |
| 5 years | $-12,071 |
| 7 years | $-8,873 |
| 9 years | $-5,675 |
| 11 years | $-2,477 |
| 13 years | $721 |
| 15 years | $3,919 |
| 17 years | $7,116 |
| 19 years | $10,314 |
| 21 years | $13,512 |
| 23 years | $16,710 |
| 25 years | $19,908 |
Top Solar Installers in Bridgewater
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy use, but working with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Bridgewater
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bridgewater
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Bridgewater is $20,066, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,590 per kilowatt in Bridgewater.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Bridgewater homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Bridgewater, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $10,915 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $14,955 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $19,197 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $23,639 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $28,283 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $33,127 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $38,173 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $43,420 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Bridgewater, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- 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.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Bridgewater, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bridgewater?
The average cost of solar panels in Bridgewater is about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Bridgewater?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Bridgewater, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Bridgewater is currently $348,650, which means you could be looking at a value of about $14,295 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Bridgewater is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.