Solar Panel Cost Guide in Suffolk, VA (2024 Update)
- Suffolk Solar Installation Cost: $19,006
- 25-Year Savings: $21,058
- Payback Period: 13.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Suffolk
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Suffolk.
The average cost of solar panels in Suffolk is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Suffolk, most homeowners require a 7.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $19,006, or $27,179 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Suffolk 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.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Suffolk can save about $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Suffolk
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,407 |
| 3 years | $-14,210 |
| 5 years | $-11,012 |
| 7 years | $-7,814 |
| 9 years | $-4,616 |
| 11 years | $-1,418 |
| 13 years | $1,780 |
| 15 years | $4,978 |
| 17 years | $8,176 |
| 19 years | $11,373 |
| 21 years | $14,571 |
| 23 years | $17,769 |
| 25 years | $20,967 |
Top Solar Installers in Suffolk
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and knowledge. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’re not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Suffolk
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Suffolk
For many Suffolk homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Suffolk, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few 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 Suffolk, 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 usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,590 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want 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
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down 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 keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Suffolk, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different 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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $12,574 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $17,168 | 13.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $21,962 | 13.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $26,958 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $32,155 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $37,552 | 12.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $43,151 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $48,951 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- 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 past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Suffolk, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Suffolk?
The average cost of solar panels in Suffolk 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 like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Suffolk?
Solar panels aren’t free in Suffolk, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Does Suffolk have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Suffolk?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.