Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stafford Courthouse, VA (2024 Update)
- Stafford Courthouse Solar Installation Cost: $19,858
- 25-Year Savings: $21,145
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated February 03, 2024
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stafford Courthouse
We go over average solar pricing in Stafford Courthouse.
In Stafford Courthouse, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 7.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Stafford Courthouse, the average price of going solar will be about $19,858 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $17,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Stafford Courthouse find going solar has a decent ROI.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installer in Stafford Courthouse, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Stafford Courthouse
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-18,259 |
3 years | $-15,061 |
5 years | $-11,863 |
7 years | $-8,665 |
9 years | $-5,467 |
11 years | $-2,269 |
13 years | $929 |
15 years | $4,127 |
17 years | $7,324 |
19 years | $10,522 |
21 years | $13,720 |
23 years | $16,918 |
25 years | $20,116 |
Top Solar Installers in Stafford Courthouse
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and expertise. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Stafford Courthouse, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Stafford Courthouse
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stafford Courthouse
The cost of installing a solar system in Stafford Courthouse can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Stafford Courthouse, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Stafford Courthouse homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Stafford Courthouse, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $11,924 | 14.2 years |
8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $16,301 | 13.9 years |
10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $20,879 | 13.7 years |
12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $25,657 | 13.4 years |
14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $30,637 | 13.1 years |
16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $35,818 | 12.8 years |
18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $41,200 | 12.6 years |
20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $46,783 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Stafford Courthouse, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panels, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
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 Stafford Courthouse, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Stafford Courthouse?
The average cost of solar panels in Stafford Courthouse is about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Stafford Courthouse have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.