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

  • Petersburg Solar Installation Cost: $19,418
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,616
  • Payback Period: 12.9 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 Petersburg

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Petersburg.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Petersburg, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Petersburg, most homeowners require a 7.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $19,418, or $27,768 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Despite the large initial cost, the average Petersburg homeowner can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Petersburg, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Petersburg

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-17,820
3 years $-14,622
5 years $-11,424
7 years $-8,226
9 years $-5,028
11 years $-1,830
13 years $1,368
15 years $4,566
17 years $7,764
19 years $10,961
21 years $14,159
23 years $17,357
25 years $20,555

Top Solar Installers in Petersburg

Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra labor and handiness. That's why most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

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 Petersburg

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Petersburg

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Petersburg: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Petersburg average.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Petersburg to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can influence the cost. Petersburg’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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 $13,429 13.5 years
8 kW $3.66 $20,506 $18,308 13.2 years
10 kW $3.59 $25,130 $23,388 12.9 years
12 kW $3.52 $29,553 $28,668 12.7 years
14 kW $3.45 $33,775 $34,150 12.4 years
16 kW $3.37 $37,796 $39,833 12.2 years
18 kW $3.30 $41,615 $45,716 11.9 years
20 kW $3.23 $45,234 $51,801 11.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
  • Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.

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 Petersburg, VA Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Petersburg 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 such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Petersburg?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Petersburg, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.

Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location 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 $970.35 per year.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.

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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