Solar Panel Cost Guide in Montrose, VA (2024 Update)
- Montrose Solar Installation Cost: $19,553
- 25-Year Savings: $4,153
- Payback Period: 25.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Montrose
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Montrose.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Montrose, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Montrose, most homeowners require a 7.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $19,553, or $27,961 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Montrose depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With average savings of about $9,800 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Montrose find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Montrose
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,954 |
| 3 years | $-14,756 |
| 5 years | $-11,558 |
| 7 years | $-8,361 |
| 9 years | $-5,163 |
| 11 years | $-1,965 |
| 13 years | $1,233 |
| 15 years | $4,431 |
| 17 years | $7,629 |
| 19 years | $10,827 |
| 21 years | $14,025 |
| 23 years | $17,223 |
| 25 years | $20,420 |
Top Solar Installers in Montrose
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Montrose:
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 Montrose
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Montrose
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Montrose: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Montrose, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,590 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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 in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Montrose average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Montrose have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the 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 | $-929 | 26.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $-836 | 26.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $-543 | 25.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $-48 | 25.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $647 | 24.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $1,544 | 24.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $2,641 | 23.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $3,940 | 23.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand 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 things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- 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 support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
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 Montrose, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Montrose?
The average cost of solar panels in Montrose 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 use.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Montrose have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.