Solar Panel Cost Guide in Emporia, VA (2024 Update)
- Emporia Solar Installation Cost: $19,303
- 25-Year Savings: $11,942
- Payback Period: 18.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Emporia
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Emporia.
The average cost of a solar system in Emporia is 4 per watt.The average Emporia homeowner needs a 7.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,303 with the federal tax credit, or $27,603 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Emporia based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Emporia can save around $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Emporia that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Emporia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,705 |
| 3 years | $-14,507 |
| 5 years | $-11,309 |
| 7 years | $-8,111 |
| 9 years | $-4,913 |
| 11 years | $-1,715 |
| 13 years | $1,483 |
| 15 years | $4,681 |
| 17 years | $7,878 |
| 19 years | $11,076 |
| 21 years | $14,274 |
| 23 years | $17,472 |
| 25 years | $20,670 |
Top Solar Installers in Emporia
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be challenging. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed 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 Emporia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Emporia
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Emporia is $19,303, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Emporia, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Emporia, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Emporia is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is 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 | $5,196 | 18.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $7,331 | 18.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $9,666 | 18.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $12,202 | 17.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $14,940 | 17.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $17,878 | 17.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $21,017 | 16.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $24,358 | 16.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Emporia, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Emporia, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Emporia?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Emporia?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Emporia, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is it worth going solar in Emporia?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses 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 house 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.