Solar Panel Cost Guide in Potomac Mills, VA (2024 Update)

  • Potomac Mills Solar Installation Cost: $20,044
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,447
  • Payback Period: 13.6 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 Potomac Mills

Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Potomac Mills.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Potomac Mills it’s 4 per watt.Since a 8.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Potomac Mills, the average price of going solar will be about $20,044 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Potomac Mills homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on power bills.

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

Solar savings over time in Potomac Mills

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-18,445
3 years $-15,247
5 years $-12,049
7 years $-8,851
9 years $-5,653
11 years $-2,455
13 years $743
15 years $3,941
17 years $7,138
19 years $10,336
21 years $13,534
23 years $16,732
25 years $19,930

Top Solar Installers in Potomac Mills

DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Another good thing about choosing a reliable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Potomac Mills

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Potomac Mills

There are several criteria that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,590 per kilowatt in Potomac Mills.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Potomac Mills, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Potomac Mills homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you choose will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 $12,002 14.2 years
8 kW $3.66 $20,506 $16,405 13.9 years
10 kW $3.59 $25,130 $21,009 13.6 years
12 kW $3.52 $29,553 $25,814 13.3 years
14 kW $3.45 $33,775 $30,819 13.1 years
16 kW $3.37 $37,796 $36,026 12.8 years
18 kW $3.30 $41,615 $41,434 12.5 years
20 kW $3.23 $45,234 $47,043 12.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose significantly affects 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:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 good reviews from previous customers.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.

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 Potomac Mills, VA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Potomac Mills?

The average cost of solar panels in Potomac Mills is about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in Potomac Mills?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Potomac Mills, 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.

Is it worth going solar in Potomac Mills?

Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.

How long do solar panels last in Potomac Mills?

Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had 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.

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