Solar Panel Cost Guide in Warrenton, VA (2024 Update)
- Warrenton Solar Installation Cost: $20,158
- 25-Year Savings: $20,654
- Payback Period: 14.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Warrenton
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Warrenton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Warrenton, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Since a 8.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Warrenton, the average price of going solar will be about $20,158 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.With typical savings of about $17,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Warrenton find going solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Warrenton that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Warrenton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,559 |
| 3 years | $-15,361 |
| 5 years | $-12,163 |
| 7 years | $-8,965 |
| 9 years | $-5,767 |
| 11 years | $-2,569 |
| 13 years | $628 |
| 15 years | $3,826 |
| 17 years | $7,024 |
| 19 years | $10,222 |
| 21 years | $13,420 |
| 23 years | $16,618 |
| 25 years | $19,816 |
Top Solar Installers in Warrenton
Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your family.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Warrenton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Warrenton
For many Warrenton homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Warrenton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production use 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.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Warrenton average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Warrenton homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Warrenton is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have 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 companies.
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 | $11,318 | 14.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $15,493 | 14.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $19,869 | 14.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $24,446 | 13.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $29,224 | 13.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $34,203 | 13.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $39,383 | 12.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $44,764 | 12.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will influence not only your overall 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 consider, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Warrenton, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Warrenton?
The average cost of solar panels in Warrenton 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Warrenton have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Warrenton?
Though 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having 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.