Solar Panel Cost Guide in Waynesboro, VA (2024 Update)
- Waynesboro Solar Installation Cost: $19,870
- 25-Year Savings: $20,173
- Payback Period: 14.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Waynesboro
We go over average solar pricing in Waynesboro.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Waynesboro it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Waynesboro, most homeowners require a 7.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $19,870, or $28,414 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Waynesboro based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Waynesboro can save about $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Waynesboro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,271 |
| 3 years | $-15,073 |
| 5 years | $-11,875 |
| 7 years | $-8,677 |
| 9 years | $-5,480 |
| 11 years | $-2,282 |
| 13 years | $916 |
| 15 years | $4,114 |
| 17 years | $7,312 |
| 19 years | $10,510 |
| 21 years | $13,708 |
| 23 years | $16,906 |
| 25 years | $20,103 |
Top Solar Installers in Waynesboro
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Waynesboro, therefore optimizing your ROI.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Waynesboro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Waynesboro
The cost of installing a solar system in Waynesboro can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
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 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.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Waynesboro to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Waynesboro homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Waynesboro, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $11,177 | 14.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $15,304 | 14.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $19,633 | 14.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $24,163 | 13.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $28,894 | 13.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $33,825 | 13.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $38,958 | 12.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $44,292 | 12.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 good reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
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 Waynesboro, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Waynesboro?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Waynesboro?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Waynesboro. 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.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Waynesboro?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.