Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Run, VA (2024 Update)
- South Run Solar Installation Cost: $20,263
- 25-Year Savings: $21,080
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Run
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in South Run.
The average cost of solar panels in South Run is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in South Run is around 8.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,263 for a solar installation, or $28,976 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in South Run depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Despite the large upfront cost, the average South Run homeowner can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in South Run for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in South Run
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,664 |
| 3 years | $-15,466 |
| 5 years | $-12,268 |
| 7 years | $-9,070 |
| 9 years | $-5,872 |
| 11 years | $-2,674 |
| 13 years | $524 |
| 15 years | $3,722 |
| 17 years | $6,919 |
| 19 years | $10,117 |
| 21 years | $13,315 |
| 23 years | $16,513 |
| 25 years | $19,711 |
Top Solar Installers in South Run
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
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 South Run
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Run
For many South Run homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in South Run, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,590 per kilowatt in South Run.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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 energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the South Run average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in South Run to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.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 principal 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 solar installer you choose to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in South Run, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 find a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $11,555 | 14.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $15,809 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $20,263 | 13.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $24,919 | 13.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $29,776 | 13.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $34,834 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $40,093 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $45,553 | 12.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in South Run, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Even 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 how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like to install plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 South Run, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in South Run?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in South Run?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although 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 the amount of 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.