Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Lee, VA (2024 Update)
- Fort Lee Solar Installation Cost: $19,400
- 25-Year Savings: $21,140
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Lee
We break down average solar pricing in Fort Lee.
The average cost of a solar system in Fort Lee is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Fort Lee, most homeowners require a 7.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $19,400, or $27,742 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $18,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fort Lee find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Fort Lee, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fort Lee
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,802 |
| 3 years | $-14,604 |
| 5 years | $-11,406 |
| 7 years | $-8,208 |
| 9 years | $-5,010 |
| 11 years | $-1,812 |
| 13 years | $1,386 |
| 15 years | $4,584 |
| 17 years | $7,781 |
| 19 years | $10,979 |
| 21 years | $14,177 |
| 23 years | $17,375 |
| 25 years | $20,573 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Lee
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since handling can be a difficult project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Fort Lee:
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 Fort Lee
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Lee
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Fort Lee: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,590. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Fort Lee average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Fort Lee homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Fort Lee homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. 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
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Fort Lee is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Additionally, some companies in Fort Lee have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $12,299 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $16,800 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $21,503 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $26,407 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $31,512 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $36,818 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $42,324 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $48,032 | 12.1 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Fort Lee, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fort Lee?
This is a difficult 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 higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Fort Lee, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for 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 many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.