Solar Panel Cost Guide in Colonial Beach, VA (2024 Update)
- Colonial Beach Solar Installation Cost: $19,443
- 25-Year Savings: $23,522
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Colonial Beach
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Colonial Beach.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Colonial Beach typically cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 7.7-kW system would cost about $19,443 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will differ based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Colonial Beach can save about $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Colonial Beach that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Colonial Beach
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,844 |
| 3 years | $-14,646 |
| 5 years | $-11,448 |
| 7 years | $-8,250 |
| 9 years | $-5,052 |
| 11 years | $-1,854 |
| 13 years | $1,344 |
| 15 years | $4,542 |
| 17 years | $7,739 |
| 19 years | $10,937 |
| 21 years | $14,135 |
| 23 years | $17,333 |
| 25 years | $20,531 |
Top Solar Installers in Colonial Beach
Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Colonial Beach
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Colonial Beach
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Colonial Beach: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Colonial Beach offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s vital to consider that 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
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can play a part in determining your pricing. Colonial Beach’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to 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 cost more. 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 | $14,111 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $19,216 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $24,523 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $30,031 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $35,739 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $41,649 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $47,760 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $54,072 | 11.4 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 durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
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 Colonial Beach, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Colonial Beach?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Colonial Beach?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Colonial Beach. 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 much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $993.06 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.