Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Springfield, VA (2024 Update)
- West Springfield Solar Installation Cost: $20,263
- 25-Year Savings: $20,682
- Payback Period: 14.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Springfield
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in West Springfield.
The average cost of a solar system in West Springfield is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in West Springfield is around 8.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,263 for a solar installation, or $28,976 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average West Springfield homeowner. 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.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in West Springfield for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in West Springfield
| 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 Springfield
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a difficult task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but going with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in West Springfield:
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 West Springfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Springfield
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in West Springfield: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation 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 panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in West Springfield, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in West Springfield, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater 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 names.
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
The solar panel company you go with will impact 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, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 West Springfield, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Springfield?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in West Springfield?
You can’t get solar panels for free in West Springfield. However, you may still be able to afford 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 making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in West Springfield?
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 choose to replace them after having 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.