Solar Panel Cost Guide in Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA (2024 Update)
- Spotsylvania Courthouse Solar Installation Cost: $19,838
- 25-Year Savings: $20,194
- Payback Period: 14.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Spotsylvania Courthouse
We go over average solar pricing in Spotsylvania Courthouse.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Spotsylvania Courthouse generally cost about 4.The average Spotsylvania Courthouse homeowner needs a 7.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,838 with the federal tax credit, or $28,368 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Spotsylvania Courthouse depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Spotsylvania Courthouse
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,240 |
| 3 years | $-15,042 |
| 5 years | $-11,844 |
| 7 years | $-8,646 |
| 9 years | $-5,448 |
| 11 years | $-2,250 |
| 13 years | $948 |
| 15 years | $4,146 |
| 17 years | $7,344 |
| 19 years | $10,541 |
| 21 years | $13,739 |
| 23 years | $16,937 |
| 25 years | $20,135 |
Top Solar Installers in Spotsylvania Courthouse
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money over time.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Spotsylvania Courthouse:
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 Spotsylvania Courthouse
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Spotsylvania Courthouse
Although the average cost of a solar system in Spotsylvania Courthouse is $19,838, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Spotsylvania Courthouse, 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 consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,590 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Spotsylvania Courthouse homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Spotsylvania Courthouse is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down 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 | $11,217 | 14.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $15,358 | 14.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $19,701 | 14.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $24,244 | 13.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $28,988 | 13.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $33,933 | 13.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $39,080 | 12.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $44,427 | 12.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Spotsylvania Courthouse?
The average cost of solar panels in Spotsylvania Courthouse 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 like 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 Spotsylvania Courthouse?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Spotsylvania Courthouse, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.