Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bull Run, VA (2024 Update)

  • Bull Run Solar Installation Cost: $20,044
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,231
  • Payback Period: 14.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bull Run

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Bull Run.

In Bull Run, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 8.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Bull Run, the average price of going solar will be about $20,044 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Bull Run based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Bull Run homeowner can save about $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.

To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Bull Run

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-18,745
3 years $-16,149
5 years $-13,552
7 years $-10,956
9 years $-8,359
11 years $-5,763
13 years $-3,166
15 years $-570
17 years $2,027
19 years $4,623
21 years $7,220
23 years $9,816
25 years $12,413

Top Solar Installers in Bull Run

Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another great thing about using a reliable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Bull Run

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bull Run

There are a number of criteria that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Bull Run, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,590 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far 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 decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Bull Run 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 cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Bull Run is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is 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 $10,335 15.1 years
8 kW $3.66 $20,506 $14,182 14.8 years
10 kW $3.59 $25,130 $18,230 14.5 years
12 kW $3.52 $29,553 $22,480 14.2 years
14 kW $3.45 $33,775 $26,930 13.9 years
16 kW $3.37 $37,796 $31,581 13.6 years
18 kW $3.30 $41,615 $36,433 13.3 years
20 kW $3.23 $45,234 $41,487 13.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies to choose from in Bull Run, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
  • Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Bull Run, VA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bull Run?

The average cost of solar panels in Bull Run is about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Bull Run?

Solar panels aren’t free in Bull Run, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.

Do solar panels increase how much your 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 Bull Run is currently $581,357, which means you can look forward to a value of about $23,836 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Bull Run is a worthwhile investment.

How long do solar panels last in Bull Run?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.

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.

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