Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Hill, VA (2024 Update)

  • South Hill Solar Installation Cost: $19,188
  • 25-Year Savings: $24,151
  • Payback Period: 12.3 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 South Hill

Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in South Hill.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in South Hill typically cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 7.6-kW system would cost about $19,188 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average South Hill homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in South Hill see about $19,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in South Hill

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-17,589
3 years $-14,391
5 years $-11,193
7 years $-7,996
9 years $-4,798
11 years $-1,600
13 years $1,598
15 years $4,796
17 years $7,994
19 years $11,192
21 years $14,390
23 years $17,587
25 years $20,785

Top Solar Installers in South Hill

DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

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 South Hill

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Hill

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

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in South Hill, one of the most crucial 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 consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,590 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the South Hill average.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many South Hill homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in South Hill, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 $14,846 12.8 years
8 kW $3.66 $20,506 $20,197 12.6 years
10 kW $3.59 $25,130 $25,749 12.3 years
12 kW $3.52 $29,553 $31,502 12.1 years
14 kW $3.45 $33,775 $37,456 11.9 years
16 kW $3.37 $37,796 $43,611 11.6 years
18 kW $3.30 $41,615 $49,967 11.4 years
20 kW $3.23 $45,234 $56,524 11.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose significantly affects 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:

  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming 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.
  • Warranty: A high-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 South Hill, VA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in South Hill?

The average cost of solar panels in South Hill 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How will having solar panels impact my property value?

Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for 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?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.

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