Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gloucester Point, VA (2024 Update)
- Gloucester Point Solar Installation Cost: $18,866
- 25-Year Savings: $21,752
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gloucester Point
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Gloucester Point.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Gloucester Point it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Gloucester Point, most homeowners require a 7.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $18,866, or $26,978 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Gloucester Point based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Despite the large initial cost, the average Gloucester Point homeowner can save about $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Gloucester Point for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Gloucester Point
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,267 |
| 3 years | $-14,069 |
| 5 years | $-10,871 |
| 7 years | $-7,673 |
| 9 years | $-4,476 |
| 11 years | $-1,278 |
| 13 years | $1,920 |
| 15 years | $5,118 |
| 17 years | $8,316 |
| 19 years | $11,514 |
| 21 years | $14,712 |
| 23 years | $17,910 |
| 25 years | $21,107 |
Top Solar Installers in Gloucester Point
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Another perk of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Gloucester Point, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Gloucester Point
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gloucester Point
Although the average cost of a solar system in Gloucester Point is $18,866, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production require 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 choose for your solar system can raise or lower 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Gloucester Point, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panels can affect your pricing. Gloucester Point’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Gloucester Point know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about 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 | $13,253 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $18,073 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $23,094 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $28,316 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $33,739 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $39,363 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $45,188 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $51,214 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer 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: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Gloucester Point, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gloucester Point?
The average cost of solar panels in Gloucester Point 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 such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Gloucester Point?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Does Gloucester Point have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity 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 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 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.