Solar Panel Cost Guide in Manassas, VA (2024 Update)
- Manassas Solar Installation Cost: $20,193
- 25-Year Savings: $19,883
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Manassas
We go over average solar pricing in Manassas.
The average cost of solar panels in Manassas is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Manassas is around 8.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,193 for a solar installation, or $28,876 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Manassas based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With typical savings of about $17,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Manassas find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Manassas
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,708 |
| 3 years | $-15,740 |
| 5 years | $-12,771 |
| 7 years | $-9,802 |
| 9 years | $-6,834 |
| 11 years | $-3,865 |
| 13 years | $-896 |
| 15 years | $2,073 |
| 17 years | $5,041 |
| 19 years | $8,010 |
| 21 years | $10,979 |
| 23 years | $13,947 |
| 25 years | $16,916 |
Top Solar Installers in Manassas
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be hard. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Manassas
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Manassas
While the average cost of a solar system in Manassas is $20,193, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,590. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Manassas, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Manassas to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact how much you pay. Manassas’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $10,716 | 14.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $14,690 | 14.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $18,865 | 14.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $23,241 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $27,818 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $32,596 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $37,575 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $42,755 | 12.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like to get plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Manassas, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Manassas?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Manassas?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $879.89 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 larger 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.