Solar Panel Cost Guide in Purcellville, VA (2024 Update)
- Purcellville Solar Installation Cost: $20,419
- 25-Year Savings: $21,159
- Payback Period: 13.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Purcellville
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Purcellville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Purcellville it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Purcellville, most homeowners require a 8.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $20,419, or $29,199 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Purcellville based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Purcellville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,849 |
| 3 years | $-15,708 |
| 5 years | $-12,568 |
| 7 years | $-9,427 |
| 9 years | $-6,287 |
| 11 years | $-3,147 |
| 13 years | $-6 |
| 15 years | $3,134 |
| 17 years | $6,275 |
| 19 years | $9,415 |
| 21 years | $12,556 |
| 23 years | $15,696 |
| 25 years | $18,837 |
Top Solar Installers in Purcellville
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you aren’t sure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Purcellville, the EcoWatch team has organized 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 Purcellville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Purcellville
Though the average cost of a solar system in Purcellville is $20,419, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation require 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.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Purcellville to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Purcellville homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Purcellville, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally 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 add-on 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 | $11,493 | 14.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $15,726 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $20,160 | 13.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $24,795 | 13.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $29,632 | 13.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $34,669 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $39,907 | 12.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $45,346 | 12.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer 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 tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panels, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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 Purcellville, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Purcellville?
The average cost of solar panels in Purcellville 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Purcellville?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically 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 maximize your savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.