Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chester, VA (2024 Update)
- Chester Solar Installation Cost: $19,466
- 25-Year Savings: $21,293
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chester
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Chester.
In Chester, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Chester, most homeowners require a 7.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $19,466, or $27,836 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $18,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Chester that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Chester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,867 |
| 3 years | $-14,669 |
| 5 years | $-11,471 |
| 7 years | $-8,273 |
| 9 years | $-5,075 |
| 11 years | $-1,877 |
| 13 years | $1,321 |
| 15 years | $4,518 |
| 17 years | $7,716 |
| 19 years | $10,914 |
| 21 years | $14,112 |
| 23 years | $17,310 |
| 25 years | $20,508 |
Top Solar Installers in Chester
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Chester:
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 Chester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chester
While the average cost of a solar system in Chester is $19,466, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Chester, one of the most important 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 determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,590 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Chester average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Chester offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and better 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 lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $12,362 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $16,884 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $21,608 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $26,533 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $31,659 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $36,986 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $42,513 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $48,242 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
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 Chester, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chester?
The average cost of solar panels in Chester 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 certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Chester?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 buy 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.