Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bristol, VA (2024 Update)
- Bristol Solar Installation Cost: $20,381
- 25-Year Savings: $11,050
- Payback Period: 19.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bristol
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Bristol.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Bristol typically cost about 4.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Bristol, most homeowners require a 8.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $20,381, or $29,145 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Bristol homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Bristol see about $13,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Bristol
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,013 |
| 3 years | $-16,277 |
| 5 years | $-13,541 |
| 7 years | $-10,805 |
| 9 years | $-8,068 |
| 11 years | $-5,332 |
| 13 years | $-2,596 |
| 15 years | $140 |
| 17 years | $2,876 |
| 19 years | $5,612 |
| 21 years | $8,348 |
| 23 years | $11,084 |
| 25 years | $13,820 |
Top Solar Installers in Bristol
When going solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
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 near you:
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Bristol
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bristol
The cost of installing a solar system in Bristol can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production use 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 choose 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 in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Bristol average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Bristol is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $4,044 | 19.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $5,794 | 19.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $7,745 | 19.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $9,897 | 18.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $12,250 | 18.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $14,804 | 18.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $17,559 | 17.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $20,516 | 17.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Bristol, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bristol?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Bristol?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Bristol, 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.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots 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 reasonably 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 usage 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 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.