Solar Panel Cost Guide in Leesburg, VA (2024 Update)

  • Leesburg Solar Installation Cost: $20,419
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,159
  • Payback Period: 13.9 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

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Leesburg

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Leesburg.

In Leesburg, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Leesburg is around 8.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,419 for a solar installation, or $29,199 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can be above or below the average in Leesburg based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on power bills.

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

Solar savings over time in Leesburg

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-18,820
3 years $-15,622
5 years $-12,424
7 years $-9,226
9 years $-6,029
11 years $-2,831
13 years $367
15 years $3,565
17 years $6,763
19 years $9,961
21 years $13,159
23 years $16,357
25 years $19,554

Top Solar Installers in Leesburg

Putting up solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by offering warranties and repairs.

Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

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 Leesburg

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Leesburg

For many Leesburg homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Leesburg, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important 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 pay around $3,590 per kilowatt in Leesburg.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Further, solar equipment is 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 into a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Leesburg to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can affect how much you pay. Leesburg’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 $11,493 14.4 years
8 kW $3.66 $20,506 $15,726 14.1 years
10 kW $3.59 $25,130 $20,160 13.9 years
12 kW $3.52 $29,553 $24,795 13.6 years
14 kW $3.45 $33,775 $29,632 13.3 years
16 kW $3.37 $37,796 $34,669 13.0 years
18 kW $3.30 $41,615 $39,907 12.8 years
20 kW $3.23 $45,234 $45,346 12.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • 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.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.

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 Leesburg, VA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Leesburg?

The average cost of solar panels in Leesburg 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 like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Leesburg?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Leesburg. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Do solar panels increase your property value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."

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 install 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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