Solar Panel Cost Guide in Buena Vista, VA (2024 Update)
- Buena Vista Solar Installation Cost: $19,613
- 25-Year Savings: $23,569
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Buena Vista
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Buena Vista.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Buena Vista it’s 4 per watt.The average Buena Vista homeowner needs a 7.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,613 with the federal tax credit, or $28,047 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Buena Vista can save about $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Buena Vista
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,014 |
| 3 years | $-14,816 |
| 5 years | $-11,618 |
| 7 years | $-8,420 |
| 9 years | $-5,222 |
| 11 years | $-2,025 |
| 13 years | $1,173 |
| 15 years | $4,371 |
| 17 years | $7,569 |
| 19 years | $10,767 |
| 21 years | $13,965 |
| 23 years | $17,163 |
| 25 years | $20,361 |
Top Solar Installers in Buena Vista
Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Buena Vista
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Buena Vista
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Buena Vista: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production use 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.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Buena Vista provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Buena Vista, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $13,988 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $19,052 | 13.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $24,318 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $29,785 | 12.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $35,453 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $41,321 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $47,391 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $53,662 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Buena Vista, 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:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Buena Vista, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Buena Vista?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Buena Vista?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Buena Vista. 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.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Buena Vista is currently $165,191, so you can expect a value of about $6,773 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Buena Vista is a rewarding investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even 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 how much 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 continue to use 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.