Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rocky Mount, VA (2024 Update)

  • Rocky Mount Solar Installation Cost: $19,360
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,110
  • Payback Period: 13.5 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 Rocky Mount

Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Rocky Mount.

The average cost of solar panels in Rocky Mount is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Rocky Mount is around 7.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,360 for a solar installation, or $27,685 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Rocky Mount depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Rocky Mount, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Rocky Mount

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-17,941
3 years $-15,101
5 years $-12,262
7 years $-9,422
9 years $-6,583
11 years $-3,744
13 years $-904
15 years $1,935
17 years $4,775
19 years $7,614
21 years $10,453
23 years $13,293
25 years $16,132

Top Solar Installers in Rocky Mount

Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for you.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Rocky Mount:

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 Rocky Mount

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rocky Mount

For many Rocky Mount homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Rocky Mount, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Rocky Mount, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,590 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Rocky Mount, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Rocky Mount provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Rocky Mount, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.

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 $12,309 14.0 years
8 kW $3.66 $20,506 $16,814 13.7 years
10 kW $3.59 $25,130 $21,520 13.5 years
12 kW $3.52 $29,553 $26,428 13.2 years
14 kW $3.45 $33,775 $31,536 12.9 years
16 kW $3.37 $37,796 $36,845 12.7 years
18 kW $3.30 $41,615 $42,355 12.4 years
20 kW $3.23 $45,234 $48,067 12.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.

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 Rocky Mount, VA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rocky Mount?

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

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Rocky Mount?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually 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.

Does Rocky Mount have a net metering program?

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels 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 typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.

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