Solar Panel Cost Guide in Woodbridge, VA (2024 Update)
- Woodbridge Solar Installation Cost: $20,044
- 25-Year Savings: $21,447
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Woodbridge
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Woodbridge.
In Woodbridge, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 8.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Woodbridge, the average price of going solar will be about $20,044 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 true cost of going solar can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.With typical savings of about $18,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Woodbridge find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Woodbridge
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,445 |
| 3 years | $-15,247 |
| 5 years | $-12,049 |
| 7 years | $-8,851 |
| 9 years | $-5,653 |
| 11 years | $-2,455 |
| 13 years | $743 |
| 15 years | $3,941 |
| 17 years | $7,138 |
| 19 years | $10,336 |
| 21 years | $13,534 |
| 23 years | $16,732 |
| 25 years | $19,930 |
Top Solar Installers in Woodbridge
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Woodbridge
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Woodbridge
For many Woodbridge homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Woodbridge, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Woodbridge homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. 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 consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Woodbridge is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting 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 | $12,002 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $16,405 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $21,009 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $25,814 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $30,819 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $36,026 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $41,434 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $47,043 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Woodbridge, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Woodbridge, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Woodbridge?
The average cost of solar panels in Woodbridge 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 such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Woodbridge?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location 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 $922.77 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.