Solar Panel Cost Guide in Meadowbrook, VA (2024 Update)
- Meadowbrook Solar Installation Cost: $19,466
- 25-Year Savings: $20,508
- Payback Period: 25.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Meadowbrook
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Meadowbrook.
In Meadowbrook, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Meadowbrook is around 7.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,466 for a solar installation, or $27,836 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $9,900 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Meadowbrook find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Meadowbrook
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,867 |
| 3 years | $-14,669 |
| 5 years | $-11,471 |
| 7 years | $-8,273 |
| 9 years | $-5,075 |
| 11 years | $-1,877 |
| 13 years | $1,321 |
| 15 years | $4,518 |
| 17 years | $7,716 |
| 19 years | $10,914 |
| 21 years | $14,112 |
| 23 years | $17,310 |
| 25 years | $20,508 |
Top Solar Installers in Meadowbrook
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Meadowbrook:
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 Meadowbrook
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Meadowbrook
For many Meadowbrook homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Meadowbrook, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,590. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Meadowbrook, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $-863 | 26.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $-748 | 25.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $-433 | 25.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $84 | 24.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $802 | 24.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $1,720 | 23.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $2,840 | 23.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $4,161 | 22.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check 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 Meadowbrook, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Meadowbrook?
The average cost of solar panels in Meadowbrook is about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Meadowbrook?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Meadowbrook is currently $296,969, which means you can expect a value of about $12,176 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Meadowbrook is a fruitful investment.
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 requires 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 home 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.