Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cascades, VA (2024 Update)
- Cascades Solar Installation Cost: $20,419
- 25-Year Savings: $20,562
- Payback Period: 14.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cascades
See how much it might cost to go solar in Cascades.
In Cascades, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 8.1-kW system would cost about $20,419 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Cascades depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Despite the high initial cost, the average Cascades homeowner can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Cascades
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,820 |
| 3 years | $-15,622 |
| 5 years | $-12,424 |
| 7 years | $-9,226 |
| 9 years | $-6,029 |
| 11 years | $-2,831 |
| 13 years | $367 |
| 15 years | $3,565 |
| 17 years | $6,763 |
| 19 years | $9,961 |
| 21 years | $13,159 |
| 23 years | $16,357 |
| 25 years | $19,554 |
Top Solar Installers in Cascades
Installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but working with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. 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 Cascades
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cascades
For many Cascades homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Cascades, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production require 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 brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Cascades to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Cascades, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually 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 additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $11,052 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $15,139 | 14.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $19,426 | 14.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $23,914 | 13.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $28,604 | 13.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $33,494 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $38,585 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $43,878 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- 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.
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 Cascades, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cascades?
The average cost of solar panels in Cascades 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Cascades?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Cascades?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
How long do solar panels last in Cascades?
Although 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 replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.