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

  • Lynchburg Solar Installation Cost: $19,420
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,272
  • Payback Period: 13.1 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 Lynchburg

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

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Lynchburg generally cost around 4.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Lynchburg, most homeowners require a 7.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $19,420, or $27,771 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Lynchburg homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $18,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Lynchburg find investing in solar can pay off big.

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

Solar savings over time in Lynchburg

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-18,000
3 years $-15,161
5 years $-12,321
7 years $-9,482
9 years $-6,643
11 years $-3,803
13 years $-964
15 years $1,876
17 years $4,715
19 years $7,554
21 years $10,394
23 years $13,233
25 years $16,073

Top Solar Installers in Lynchburg

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.

If you're searching for a solar installer in Lynchburg, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Lynchburg

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lynchburg

There are several criteria that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation need 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 solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Lynchburg average.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Lynchburg have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can impact your pricing. Lynchburg’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.

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 $13,161 13.6 years
8 kW $3.66 $20,506 $17,950 13.3 years
10 kW $3.59 $25,130 $22,940 13.1 years
12 kW $3.52 $29,553 $28,131 12.8 years
14 kW $3.45 $33,775 $33,523 12.5 years
16 kW $3.37 $37,796 $39,117 12.3 years
18 kW $3.30 $41,615 $44,911 12.0 years
20 kW $3.23 $45,234 $50,906 11.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar panel system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.

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 Lynchburg, VA Solar Cost FAQs

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

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

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?

It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Lynchburg, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.

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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