Solar Panel Cost Guide in Staunton, VA (2024 Update)
- Staunton Solar Installation Cost: $19,888
- 25-Year Savings: $20,160
- Payback Period: 14.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Staunton
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Staunton.
In Staunton, 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 Staunton, the average price of going solar will be about $19,888 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $17,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Staunton find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Staunton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,289 |
| 3 years | $-15,091 |
| 5 years | $-11,893 |
| 7 years | $-8,695 |
| 9 years | $-5,497 |
| 11 years | $-2,299 |
| 13 years | $899 |
| 15 years | $4,096 |
| 17 years | $7,294 |
| 19 years | $10,492 |
| 21 years | $13,690 |
| 23 years | $16,888 |
| 25 years | $20,086 |
Top Solar Installers in Staunton
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Staunton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Staunton
There are several factors that can influence your total 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
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,590.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Staunton provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Staunton, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that provides 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 | $11,153 | 14.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $15,273 | 14.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $19,593 | 14.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $24,115 | 13.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $28,838 | 13.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $33,762 | 13.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $38,887 | 12.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $44,213 | 12.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
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 Staunton, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Staunton?
The average cost of solar panels in Staunton 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Staunton?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Staunton. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Staunton?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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 house 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.