Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shenandoah Farms, VA (2024 Update)
- Shenandoah Farms Solar Installation Cost: $20,482
- 25-Year Savings: $19,122
- Payback Period: 14.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Shenandoah Farms
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Shenandoah Farms.
The average cost of solar panels in Shenandoah Farms is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Shenandoah Farms is around 8.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,482 for a solar installation, or $29,289 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Shenandoah Farms based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With average savings of about $16,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Shenandoah Farms find investing in solar can pay off big.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Shenandoah Farms
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,936 |
| 3 years | $-15,846 |
| 5 years | $-12,755 |
| 7 years | $-9,665 |
| 9 years | $-6,574 |
| 11 years | $-3,484 |
| 13 years | $-393 |
| 15 years | $2,697 |
| 17 years | $5,788 |
| 19 years | $8,878 |
| 21 years | $11,969 |
| 23 years | $15,060 |
| 25 years | $18,150 |
Top Solar Installers in Shenandoah Farms
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Shenandoah Farms:
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 Shenandoah Farms
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shenandoah Farms
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Shenandoah Farms: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for 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 Shenandoah Farms homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can impact the cost. Shenandoah Farms’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $9,946 | 15.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $13,663 | 15.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $17,582 | 14.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $21,701 | 14.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $26,021 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $30,543 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $35,266 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $40,189 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Shenandoah Farms, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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 Shenandoah Farms, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Shenandoah Farms?
The average cost of solar panels in Shenandoah Farms 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Shenandoah Farms?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.