Solar Panel Cost Guide in Newport News, VA (2024 Update)
- Newport News Solar Installation Cost: $18,482
- 25-Year Savings: $22,046
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Newport News
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Newport News.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Newport News is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Newport News is around 7.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,482 for a solar installation, or $26,429 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Newport News homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $19,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Newport News find going solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Newport News
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,883 |
| 3 years | $-13,686 |
| 5 years | $-10,488 |
| 7 years | $-7,290 |
| 9 years | $-4,092 |
| 11 years | $-894 |
| 13 years | $2,304 |
| 15 years | $5,502 |
| 17 years | $8,700 |
| 19 years | $11,897 |
| 21 years | $15,095 |
| 23 years | $18,293 |
| 25 years | $21,491 |
Top Solar Installers in Newport News
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're searching for a solar company in Newport News, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Newport News
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Newport News
For many Newport News homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Newport News, 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
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,590.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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 over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Newport News average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Newport News provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, 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 | $13,854 | 13.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $18,874 | 13.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $24,095 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $29,517 | 12.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $35,140 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $40,964 | 12.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $46,989 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $53,215 | 11.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
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 Newport News, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Newport News?
The average cost of solar panels in Newport News 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Newport News?
Solar panels aren’t free in Newport News, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Newport News, 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 long do solar panels last in Newport News?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.