Solar Panel Cost Guide in Short Pump, VA (2024 Update)

  • Short Pump Solar Installation Cost: $19,553
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,819
  • Payback Period: 13.7 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

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Short Pump

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Short Pump.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Short Pump generally cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 7.8-kW system would cost about $19,553 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on your specific situation and what company you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Short Pump can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Short Pump that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Short Pump

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-17,954
3 years $-14,756
5 years $-11,558
7 years $-8,361
9 years $-5,163
11 years $-1,965
13 years $1,233
15 years $4,431
17 years $7,629
19 years $10,827
21 years $14,025
23 years $17,223
25 years $20,420

Top Solar Installers in Short Pump

Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over time.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:

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 Short Pump

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Short Pump

There are many 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

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Short Pump, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,590 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, 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 looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Short Pump, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Short Pump homeowners, they can also add to 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 hire to install your solar panels can impact how much you pay. Short Pump’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.

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 $11,923 14.2 years
8 kW $3.66 $20,506 $16,300 13.9 years
10 kW $3.59 $25,130 $20,877 13.7 years
12 kW $3.52 $29,553 $25,656 13.4 years
14 kW $3.45 $33,775 $30,635 13.1 years
16 kW $3.37 $37,796 $35,816 12.8 years
18 kW $3.30 $41,615 $41,197 12.6 years
20 kW $3.23 $45,234 $46,780 12.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:

  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • 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 likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.

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 Short Pump, VA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Short Pump?

The average cost of solar panels in Short Pump 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in Short Pump?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Short Pump. 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 prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Is it worth going solar in Short Pump?

Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.

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 requires 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 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.

Follow us