Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairfax, VT (2024 Update)
- Fairfax Solar Installation Cost: $15,500
- 25-Year Savings: $22,340
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fairfax
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Fairfax.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Fairfax typically cost about 4.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Fairfax, most homeowners require a 5.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $15,500, or $22,165 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Fairfax can save around $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fairfax
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,139 |
| 3 years | $-11,417 |
| 5 years | $-8,695 |
| 7 years | $-5,974 |
| 9 years | $-3,252 |
| 11 years | $-530 |
| 13 years | $2,192 |
| 15 years | $4,913 |
| 17 years | $7,635 |
| 19 years | $10,357 |
| 21 years | $13,079 |
| 23 years | $15,800 |
| 25 years | $18,522 |
Top Solar Installers in Fairfax
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Fairfax, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Fairfax
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairfax
There are a number of factors that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are several 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. Additionally, the type of equipment you want 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Fairfax, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining your pricing. Fairfax’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of 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 promotion can bring their pricing lower 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 | $4.00 | $16,817 | $18,543 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.93 | $21,991 | $25,156 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.85 | $26,950 | $31,984 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.77 | $31,693 | $39,027 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.70 | $36,221 | $46,286 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.62 | $40,533 | $53,761 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.54 | $44,629 | $61,451 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.47 | $48,510 | $69,357 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Fairfax, 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:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Fairfax, VT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fairfax?
The average cost of solar panels in Fairfax is about $19,250 for a 5-kW system and $38,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Fairfax?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Fairfax?
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 choose to 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.