Solar Panel Cost Guide in Falmouth, VA (2024 Update)
- Falmouth Solar Installation Cost: $19,858
- 25-Year Savings: $21,925
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Falmouth
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Falmouth.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Falmouth is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.9-kW system would cost about $19,858 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Falmouth homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Falmouth homeowner can save around $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Falmouth
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,259 |
| 3 years | $-15,061 |
| 5 years | $-11,863 |
| 7 years | $-8,665 |
| 9 years | $-5,467 |
| 11 years | $-2,269 |
| 13 years | $929 |
| 15 years | $4,127 |
| 17 years | $7,324 |
| 19 years | $10,522 |
| 21 years | $13,720 |
| 23 years | $16,918 |
| 25 years | $20,116 |
Top Solar Installers in Falmouth
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your family.
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 Falmouth
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Falmouth
While the average cost of a solar system in Falmouth is $19,858, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,590 per kilowatt in Falmouth.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Falmouth, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Falmouth homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Falmouth, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $12,517 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $17,091 | 13.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $21,867 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $26,843 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $32,021 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $37,399 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $42,979 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $48,759 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business 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.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Falmouth, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Falmouth?
This is a tough 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Falmouth?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Falmouth?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much 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 buy 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.