Solar Panel Cost Guide in Danville, VA (2024 Update)
- Danville Solar Installation Cost: $19,191
- 25-Year Savings: $24,090
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Danville
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Danville.
The average cost of a solar system in Danville is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Danville is around 7.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,191 for a solar installation, or $27,443 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Danville depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Danville that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Danville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,607 |
| 3 years | $-14,438 |
| 5 years | $-11,269 |
| 7 years | $-8,101 |
| 9 years | $-4,932 |
| 11 years | $-1,763 |
| 13 years | $1,405 |
| 15 years | $4,574 |
| 17 years | $7,743 |
| 19 years | $10,911 |
| 21 years | $14,080 |
| 23 years | $17,249 |
| 25 years | $20,418 |
Top Solar Installers in Danville
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra energy and know-how. That's why most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Danville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Danville
There are many criteria that can affect 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 panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Danville, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly 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.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Danville average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Danville homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Danville homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Danville, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more 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 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 | $14,795 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $20,129 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $25,664 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $31,400 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $37,337 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $43,475 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $49,814 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $56,354 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Danville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Danville, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Danville?
The average cost of solar panels in Danville 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Danville, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely 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 after having 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.