Solar Panel Cost Guide in Franklin Farm, VA (2024 Update)

  • Franklin Farm Solar Installation Cost: $20,263
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,711
  • Payback Period: 14.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Franklin Farm

Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Franklin Farm.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Franklin Farm it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Franklin Farm is around 8.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,263 for a solar installation, or $28,976 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Franklin Farm homeowner can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Franklin Farm

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 Franklin Farm

Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra labor and handiness. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Franklin Farm

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Franklin Farm

The cost of installing a solar system in Franklin Farm can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,590 per kilowatt in Franklin Farm.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Franklin Farm, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering 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 $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 go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the types 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: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Franklin Farm, VA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Franklin Farm?

The average cost of solar panels in Franklin Farm 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Franklin Farm?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home 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 bang for your buck from going solar.

Is switching to solar power worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

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 amount of 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 account for 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.

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