Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carrollton, VA (2024 Update)

  • Carrollton Solar Installation Cost: $19,403
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,364
  • Payback Period: 13.8 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 Carrollton

See how much it might cost to go solar in Carrollton.

The average cost of solar panels in Carrollton is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.7-kW system would cost about $19,403 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Carrollton based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With average savings of about $17,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Carrollton find going solar can pay off big.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Carrollton that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Carrollton

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-17,804
3 years $-14,606
5 years $-11,408
7 years $-8,210
9 years $-5,012
11 years $-1,814
13 years $1,384
15 years $4,581
17 years $7,779
19 years $10,977
21 years $14,175
23 years $17,373
25 years $20,571

Top Solar Installers in Carrollton

When going solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Plus, if you’re unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Carrollton, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Carrollton

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carrollton

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Carrollton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Carrollton, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited 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

Most solar companies in Carrollton offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.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

Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can influence your pricing. Carrollton’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation 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 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 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 $11,694 14.3 years
8 kW $3.66 $20,506 $15,993 14.0 years
10 kW $3.59 $25,130 $20,494 13.8 years
12 kW $3.52 $29,553 $25,196 13.5 years
14 kW $3.45 $33,775 $30,099 13.2 years
16 kW $3.37 $37,796 $35,204 12.9 years
18 kW $3.30 $41,615 $40,509 12.7 years
20 kW $3.23 $45,234 $46,015 12.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
  • Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.

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 Carrollton, VA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Carrollton?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Carrollton?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Carrollton, 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 you can take advantage of.

Is switching to solar power 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 a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.

How long do solar panels last in Carrollton?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable 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.

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