Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vinton, VA (2024 Update)
- Vinton Solar Installation Cost: $19,617
- 25-Year Savings: $20,913
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vinton
See how much it might cost to go solar in Vinton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Vinton it’s 4 per watt.The average Vinton homeowner needs a 7.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,617 with the federal tax credit, or $28,052 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Vinton homeowner can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Vinton for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Vinton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,197 |
| 3 years | $-15,358 |
| 5 years | $-12,518 |
| 7 years | $-9,679 |
| 9 years | $-6,839 |
| 11 years | $-4,000 |
| 13 years | $-1,161 |
| 15 years | $1,679 |
| 17 years | $4,518 |
| 19 years | $7,358 |
| 21 years | $10,197 |
| 23 years | $13,036 |
| 25 years | $15,876 |
Top Solar Installers in Vinton
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over time.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Vinton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vinton
The cost of installing a solar system in Vinton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems 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 better efficiency or power generation 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 choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Vinton to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Vinton is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Companies that 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’re looking for and also is within 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 | $11,943 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $16,327 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $20,911 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $25,696 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $30,682 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $35,870 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $41,258 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $46,848 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will impact 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 take into account, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Vinton, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Vinton?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go 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.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $920.82 per year.
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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.