Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Falls Church, VA (2024 Update)

  • West Falls Church Solar Installation Cost: $20,263
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,682
  • Payback Period: 14.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Falls Church

Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in West Falls Church.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in West Falls Church, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Since a 8.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in West Falls Church, the average price of going solar will be about $20,263 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of West Falls Church homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the high upfront cost, the average West Falls Church homeowner can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in West Falls Church, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in West Falls Church

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-18,664
3 years $-15,466
5 years $-12,268
7 years $-9,070
9 years $-5,872
11 years $-2,674
13 years $524
15 years $3,722
17 years $6,919
19 years $10,117
21 years $13,315
23 years $16,513
25 years $19,711

Top Solar Installers in West Falls Church

DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Another advantage of using a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.

Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 West Falls Church

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Falls Church

Although the average cost of a solar system in West Falls Church is $20,263, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of 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 several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking 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 West Falls Church offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for West Falls Church homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in West Falls Church is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 $11,259 14.6 years
8 kW $3.66 $20,506 $15,414 14.3 years
10 kW $3.59 $25,130 $19,770 14.0 years
12 kW $3.52 $29,553 $24,327 13.7 years
14 kW $3.45 $33,775 $29,085 13.4 years
16 kW $3.37 $37,796 $34,045 13.2 years
18 kW $3.30 $41,615 $39,205 12.9 years
20 kW $3.23 $45,234 $44,566 12.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's West Falls Church, VA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Falls Church?

The average cost of solar panels in West Falls Church 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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in West Falls Church?

A solar panel system isn’t free in West Falls Church, 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.

Do solar panels increase the value of your home?

Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in West Falls Church is currently $668,951, which means you can look forward to a value of about $27,427 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in West Falls Church is a rewarding investment.

How long do solar panels last in West Falls Church?

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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.

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