Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dunn Loring, VA (2024 Update)
- Dunn Loring Solar Installation Cost: $20,263
- 25-Year Savings: $20,682
- Payback Period: 14.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dunn Loring
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Dunn Loring.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Dunn Loring it’s 4 per watt.The average Dunn Loring homeowner needs a 8.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,263 with the federal tax credit, or $28,976 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Dunn Loring depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With average savings of about $17,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Dunn Loring find going solar can pay off big.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Dunn Loring, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dunn Loring
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,664 |
| 3 years | $-15,466 |
| 5 years | $-12,268 |
| 7 years | $-9,070 |
| 9 years | $-5,872 |
| 11 years | $-2,674 |
| 13 years | $524 |
| 15 years | $3,722 |
| 17 years | $6,919 |
| 19 years | $10,117 |
| 21 years | $13,315 |
| 23 years | $16,513 |
| 25 years | $19,711 |
Top Solar Installers in Dunn Loring
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Dunn Loring, thereby optimizing your ROI.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Dunn Loring
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dunn Loring
While the average cost of a solar system in Dunn Loring is $20,263, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,590. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Dunn Loring to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Dunn Loring is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally 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 | $11,259 | 14.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $15,414 | 14.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $19,770 | 14.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $24,327 | 13.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $29,085 | 13.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $34,045 | 13.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $39,205 | 12.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $44,566 | 12.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Dunn Loring, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dunn Loring?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Dunn Loring?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Dunn Loring. However, you may still be able to get 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.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $898.00 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.