Solar Panel Cost Guide in Roanoke, VA (2024 Update)
- Roanoke Solar Installation Cost: $19,460
- 25-Year Savings: $2,545
- Payback Period: 27.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Roanoke
We break down average solar pricing in Roanoke.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Roanoke is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Roanoke, most homeowners require a 7.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $19,460, or $27,828 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.With typical savings of about $9,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Roanoke find investing in solar can pay off big.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Roanoke
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,040 |
| 3 years | $-15,201 |
| 5 years | $-12,362 |
| 7 years | $-9,522 |
| 9 years | $-6,683 |
| 11 years | $-3,843 |
| 13 years | $-1,004 |
| 15 years | $1,835 |
| 17 years | $4,675 |
| 19 years | $7,514 |
| 21 years | $10,354 |
| 23 years | $13,193 |
| 25 years | $16,032 |
Top Solar Installers in Roanoke
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Roanoke
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Roanoke
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Roanoke is $19,460, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,590.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Roanoke homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Roanoke homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact the cost. Roanoke’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Roanoke have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $-2,159 | 29.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $-2,477 | 28.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $-2,594 | 27.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $-2,510 | 27.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $-2,224 | 26.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $-1,738 | 26.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $-1,050 | 25.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $-162 | 25.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
- 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 most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 Roanoke, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Roanoke?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Roanoke?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Roanoke. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Roanoke?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.