Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hampton, VA (2024 Update)
- Hampton Solar Installation Cost: $18,345
- 25-Year Savings: $22,151
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hampton
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Hampton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Hampton it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.3-kW system would cost about $18,345 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Hampton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,746 |
| 3 years | $-13,548 |
| 5 years | $-10,350 |
| 7 years | $-7,152 |
| 9 years | $-3,954 |
| 11 years | $-757 |
| 13 years | $2,441 |
| 15 years | $5,639 |
| 17 years | $8,837 |
| 19 years | $12,035 |
| 21 years | $15,233 |
| 23 years | $18,431 |
| 25 years | $21,629 |
Top Solar Installers in Hampton
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installation company since handling can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Hampton, the EcoWatch team has 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 Hampton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hampton
Although the average cost of a solar system in Hampton is $18,345, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Hampton average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Hampton, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Hampton, you’ll have lots of 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 keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $14,075 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $19,169 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $24,464 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $29,960 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $35,656 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $41,554 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $47,653 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $53,953 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the 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 tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Hampton, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hampton?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Hampton?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Hampton?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.