Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ettrick, VA (2024 Update)
- Ettrick Solar Installation Cost: $19,466
- 25-Year Savings: $22,321
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ettrick
We break down average solar pricing in Ettrick.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Ettrick, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Ettrick is around 7.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,466 for a solar installation, or $27,836 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Ettrick homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $18,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Ettrick find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Ettrick, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ettrick
| 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 Ettrick
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Ettrick
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ettrick
For many Ettrick homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Ettrick, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,590.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Ettrick homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Ettrick, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $13,159 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $17,947 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $22,936 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $28,126 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $33,518 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $39,110 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $44,904 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $50,898 | 11.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before making your decision.
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 Ettrick, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ettrick?
The average cost of solar panels in Ettrick 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 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 consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Ettrick, 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.
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 average daily 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 install 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.