*Prices are shown after applying the 30% federal tax credit.
As of Sep 2024, the average cost of solar panels in Virginia Beach is $2.87 per watt making a typical 6000 watt (6 kW) solar system $12,064 after claiming the 30% federal solar tax credit now available.
This is lower than the average price of residential solar power systems across the United States which is currently $3.00 per watt.
The size of a solar panel system also plays a role in how much the installation will cost.
Larger solar installations will typically have a lower cost per watt, because the panels can be purchased at a ‘bulk price’. However, these larger solar systems will still have a higher total cost, because they are made up of more individual panels.
System size* | Avg cost per watt |
Avg system cost
(After tax credit) show before tax |
---|---|---|
4kW | $3.14 | $8,779 |
5kW | $3.01 | $10,530 |
6kW | $2.87 | $12,064 |
7kW | $2.84 | $13,932 |
8kW | $2.89 | $16,165 |
9kW | $2.78 | $17,545 |
10kW | $2.76 | $19,290 |
Best unit price
$320.00 ($0.96 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,721.85
($2.53 p/w)
LG335N1K-V5 overview
Rated power
335 watts
Efficiency
19.6
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$562.50 ($1.50 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$12,120.18
($2.49 p/w)
LG375A1C-V5 overview
Rated power
375 watts
Efficiency
21.7
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$430.00 ($1.15 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$12,919.30
($2.65 p/w)
LG375Q1C-V5 overview
Rated power
375 watts
Efficiency
21.7
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$473.34 ($1.30 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$13,231.07
($2.59 p/w)
LG365Q1K-V5 overview
Rated power
365 watts
Efficiency
21.1
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$432.00 ($1.20 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$13,276.66
($2.63 p/w)
LG360Q1K-V5 overview
Rated power
360 watts
Efficiency
20.8
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$530.85 ($1.50 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,386.87
($2.49 p/w)
LG355Q1K-V5 overview
Rated power
355 watts
Efficiency
20.6
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$495.00 ($1.38 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$13,091.06
($2.60 p/w)
LG360Q1C-V5 overview
Rated power
360 watts
Efficiency
20.8
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$407.97 ($1.10 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.2kW system
$13,159.30
($2.54 p/w)
LG370Q1C-V5 overview
Rated power
370 watts
Efficiency
21.4
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$323.39 ($0.97 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,691.01
($2.53 p/w)
LG335N1C-V5 overview
Rated power
335 watts
Efficiency
19.6
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$338.19 ($0.99 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$0.00
($0.00 p/w)
LG340N1C-V5 overview
Rated power
340 watts
Efficiency
19.8
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$600.00 ($1.83 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$12,808.41
($2.61 p/w)
SPR-E20-327-COM overview
Rated power
327 watts
Efficiency
20.4
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$800.00 ($2.22 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$13,201.67
($2.62 p/w)
SPR-X22-360 overview
Rated power
360 watts
Efficiency
22.2
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$620.00 ($1.90 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$13,703.10
($2.79 p/w)
SPR-E20-327-D-AC overview
Rated power
327 watts
Efficiency
20.4
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$620.00 ($1.90 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$13,610.59
($2.77 p/w)
SPR-E20-327 overview
Rated power
327 watts
Efficiency
20.4
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$181.00 ($0.60 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$11,003.04
($2.16 p/w)
CS6K-300MS overview
Rated power
300 watts
Efficiency
18.33
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
CA
Best unit price
$196.11 ($0.65 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$9,948.02
($1.95 p/w)
LR6-60-HPB-300M overview
Rated power
300 watts
Efficiency
18.1
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best unit price
$172.00 ($0.56 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$9,568.53
($1.96 p/w)
LR6-60-HPB-305M overview
Rated power
305 watts
Efficiency
18.4
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best unit price
$165.00 ($0.53 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$9,761.72
($1.97 p/w)
LR6-60-HPB-310M overview
Rated power
310 watts
Efficiency
18.7
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best unit price
$228.00 ($0.60 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$9,579.65
($1.94 p/w)
LR4-60HPH-380M overview
Rated power
380 watts
Efficiency
20.9
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best unit price
$234.00 ($0.60 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$10,126.74
($2.00 p/w)
LR6-72HBD-390M overview
Rated power
390 watts
Efficiency
19.4
Number of Cells
144
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
4.89 405 Reviews
charles grebe, 1 week ago
paying two times as much for electric than before, called rep, took a bad review on here to get a return call, asked for different paperwork, had that over a month now with no call back, called today again with no answer, these people are bad to deal with in my opinion, they need to get this stuff off my roof and stuff it up you know where, not one bit of truth to what the rep told me, lumina is no good, seems all bad reveiws get lost, i,m thinking they write their own , i,v talked to other customers of theirs with the same experiance as i,m having
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charles grebe, 1 week ago
paying two times as much for electric than before, called rep, took a bad review on here to get a return call, asked for different paperwork, had that over a month now with no call back, called today again with no answer, these people are bad to deal with in my opinion, they need to get this stuff off my roof and stuff it up you know where, not one bit of truth to what the rep told me, lumina is no good, seems all bad reveiws get lost, i,m thinking they write their own , i,v talked to other customers of theirs with the same experiance as i,m having
4.85 119 Reviews
Barry, 5 days ago
The folks at Paradise were well prepared to perform our solar installation. They did everything from engineering studies to permitting with the local office and the utility to ensuring everything was in great working order. Their personnel did not shy away from ensuring all questions that we had were answered and our satisfaction was paramount. The foreman for our job went out of his way to make us feel like we were the top priority. Lastly, we would recommend Paradise to anyone who is looking at converting to green energy. We have been very satisfied thus far with the output that the solar panels have been achieving.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$16,000 ($3.20 per watt)
Barry, 5 days ago
The folks at Paradise were well prepared to perform our solar installation. They did everything from engineering studies to permitting with the local office and the utility to ensuring everything was in great working order. Their personnel did not shy away from ensuring all questions that we had were answered and our satisfaction was paramount. The foreman for our job went out of his way to make us feel like we were the top priority. Lastly, we would recommend Paradise to anyone who is looking at converting to green energy. We have been very satisfied thus far with the output that the solar panels have been achieving.
4.82 81 Reviews
Max, over 1 month
Truly great to work with. A pleasure throughout the process.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$13,250 ($2.65 per watt)
Max, over 1 month
Truly great to work with. A pleasure throughout the process.
4.81 572 Reviews
Don't do it, 1 week ago
Price point was very good. Installation was very good. It took about a month. From planning to full installation. Service was terrible. We never saw another service team after the install to address the full operation of the solar system. It is like going to a 5 star restaurant, the waiter tells you about the 4 course menu and how amazing it is. You order it. After entree /3rd course, you never saw the waiter again. You go to the host desk and ask about your waiter. They tell you to use an email to get your last course! You have to pay NOW using phone or a computer. However, you haven't gotten your last course. How do you like that service?
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Don't do it, 1 week ago
Price point was very good. Installation was very good. It took about a month. From planning to full installation. Service was terrible. We never saw another service team after the install to address the full operation of the solar system. It is like going to a 5 star restaurant, the waiter tells you about the 4 course menu and how amazing it is. You order it. After entree /3rd course, you never saw the waiter again. You go to the host desk and ask about your waiter. They tell you to use an email to get your last course! You have to pay NOW using phone or a computer. However, you haven't gotten your last course. How do you like that service?
4.73 33 Reviews
Tom N, over 1 month
We had a phenomenal experience with Southern Exposure, from beginning to end. I found them through EnergySage, and was delighted to land on a local company with such great expertise and people. Their pricing was competitive with other offers we solicited, but what set them apart was their level of service. They were the only company willing to do a site visit prior to signing an agreement, which gave me a higher level of confidence in their estimates and projections (given some concerns I had about the impact of the treeline behind our home). When he visited, Jason didn't put on the hard sell, but walked through all of my questions and concerns, talked candidly about pros and cons, and captured drone imagery to improve the accuracy of the model. Throughout the process, he was extremely patient with my (many) questions and always highly responsive. We ended up having some plumbing vents rerouted to make more space for panels; SES doesn't do that type of work themselves, but recommended a great contractor and provided models/estimates both ways so I could evaluate the ROI and make an informed decision. When it came to the installation, Tyler and the team were professional, impressively quick, communicative, and easy to work with. SES prides themselves on keeping the visual impact of the system as minimal as possible -- and they didn't disappoint. It wasn't our highest priority, since everything is on the back of our home; but a few days after install I asked my wife how much she was noticing the changes, and her response was, "Oh, I haven't noticed at all. I keep meaning to look but forgetting it's there." Other selling points/positive aspects of the experience include how seamlessly Britney handled all the paperwork on our behalf; how well the SES team communicated internally (I never felt like I was being bounced around from sales to install or anything like that); and the CertainTeed warranty, which was superior to any other offer I reviewed.
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Tom N, over 1 month
We had a phenomenal experience with Southern Exposure, from beginning to end. I found them through EnergySage, and was delighted to land on a local company with such great expertise and people. Their pricing was competitive with other offers we solicited, but what set them apart was their level of service. They were the only company willing to do a site visit prior to signing an agreement, which gave me a higher level of confidence in their estimates and projections (given some concerns I had about the impact of the treeline behind our home). When he visited, Jason didn't put on the hard sell, but walked through all of my questions and concerns, talked candidly about pros and cons, and captured drone imagery to improve the accuracy of the model. Throughout the process, he was extremely patient with my (many) questions and always highly responsive. We ended up having some plumbing vents rerouted to make more space for panels; SES doesn't do that type of work themselves, but recommended a great contractor and provided models/estimates both ways so I could evaluate the ROI and make an informed decision. When it came to the installation, Tyler and the team were professional, impressively quick, communicative, and easy to work with. SES prides themselves on keeping the visual impact of the system as minimal as possible -- and they didn't disappoint. It wasn't our highest priority, since everything is on the back of our home; but a few days after install I asked my wife how much she was noticing the changes, and her response was, "Oh, I haven't noticed at all. I keep meaning to look but forgetting it's there." Other selling points/positive aspects of the experience include how seamlessly Britney handled all the paperwork on our behalf; how well the SES team communicated internally (I never felt like I was being bounced around from sales to install or anything like that); and the CertainTeed warranty, which was superior to any other offer I reviewed.
4.71 54 Reviews
40 panel ground mount, over 1 month
It was a pleasure working with Andrew and his team. When others were challanged by my installation location, he was able to make it happen, and at a competitive price. He installed a 40 panel, battery backup, ground mount system, on a hill. As a former solar installer, I appreciate his attention to detail, knowledge and insight into the latest technology. He is easy to work with and happy to answer any of your questions. His back office support is also excellent, providing quick turn around times to customers and the county. His team always arrived early on the day they said they would. He even completed the project a day early. I highly recommend Main Street Solar.
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40 panel ground mount, over 1 month
It was a pleasure working with Andrew and his team. When others were challanged by my installation location, he was able to make it happen, and at a competitive price. He installed a 40 panel, battery backup, ground mount system, on a hill. As a former solar installer, I appreciate his attention to detail, knowledge and insight into the latest technology. He is easy to work with and happy to answer any of your questions. His back office support is also excellent, providing quick turn around times to customers and the county. His team always arrived early on the day they said they would. He even completed the project a day early. I highly recommend Main Street Solar.
4.62 44 Reviews
Cmillerusn , over 1 month
I'm so glad I chose Edge Energy to install my Sunpower panels. The panels and their high capacity microinverters are top notch and at a good price. The installation was professional and well done. And when minor problems arise, they responded right away, even repairing some pre- existing issues at no cost. Their customer service is outstanding. They indicated they could probably get all the permits, installation, inspection, utility hookup and system turn on by Thanksgiving. Today is the day before Thanksgiving 2023 and my system is providing my home power and sending power back to the grid. Great work Edge Energy
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Cmillerusn , over 1 month
I'm so glad I chose Edge Energy to install my Sunpower panels. The panels and their high capacity microinverters are top notch and at a good price. The installation was professional and well done. And when minor problems arise, they responded right away, even repairing some pre- existing issues at no cost. Their customer service is outstanding. They indicated they could probably get all the permits, installation, inspection, utility hookup and system turn on by Thanksgiving. Today is the day before Thanksgiving 2023 and my system is providing my home power and sending power back to the grid. Great work Edge Energy
4.59 19 Reviews
Richmond Solar, over 1 month
Process was seamless and smooth from start to finish for our whole home solar install. The sales representative was very knowledgeable, easy to get in contact with and did not try to over sell, which I appreciate. The install team was on time and on top of every appointment during the install process with excellent communication the whole way through. They have checked in several times since the install and have always been very polite and kind on the calls.
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Richmond Solar, over 1 month
Process was seamless and smooth from start to finish for our whole home solar install. The sales representative was very knowledgeable, easy to get in contact with and did not try to over sell, which I appreciate. The install team was on time and on top of every appointment during the install process with excellent communication the whole way through. They have checked in several times since the install and have always been very polite and kind on the calls.
4.56 30 Reviews
Bill Gruen, over 1 month
They delivered the system as promised on time and completely functional. Jason and Juan were easy to communicate with "on the ground" and Megan was there to back them up. Their design met our requirements as we had hoped.
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Bill Gruen, over 1 month
They delivered the system as promised on time and completely functional. Jason and Juan were easy to communicate with "on the ground" and Megan was there to back them up. Their design met our requirements as we had hoped.
4.56 194 Reviews
Bill Deady, 2 weeks ago
My system had a problem with my Enphase Gateway on my SME solar power system. It prevented my being able to get any information about how my system was operating. I contacted Compliance Supervisor, Faris Atal and he ensured that the issue would be corrected. A new IQ Gateway CR PCB was sent to me via Fed Ex and Faris contracted a local Electrician to remove old circuit board and install and dedicate the new one. The fix went well and the system is back in service again. Thank you Faris.
Read more
Bill Deady, 2 weeks ago
My system had a problem with my Enphase Gateway on my SME solar power system. It prevented my being able to get any information about how my system was operating. I contacted Compliance Supervisor, Faris Atal and he ensured that the issue would be corrected. A new IQ Gateway CR PCB was sent to me via Fed Ex and Faris contracted a local Electrician to remove old circuit board and install and dedicate the new one. The fix went well and the system is back in service again. Thank you Faris.
Where there is no specific pricing information available for a brand then we have used state pricing data for that brand.
Solar panel manufacturer | Avg. cost per watt |
---|---|
Canadian Solar | $2.68 |
LONGi Solar | $2.58 |
LG Solar | $3.19 |
Panasonic | $3.23 |
SunPower | $3.35 |
The most important difference between buying solar panels and any other purchase is that solar panels last 25-30 years. This is a long, long time and you will need customer service over all that time. The reviews below of the two largest corporate solar installation companies indicate larger corporate solar companies are not delivering this support to their customers.
We recommend you find a small or mid-size, local, family-owned solar company. These companies tend to care more about you and your specific job. You don't want to be on hold to a corporation's call center for the next 25 years!
The cost of solar doesn't just include the equipment and installation costs - it’s also made up of permitting costs, inspection costs, and installer profit margins.
These different components are what make the price of solar fluctuate between installations. Some of the factors that affect solar power system installation costs for specific homes include:
Homes that use more electricity will need more solar panels to cover their energy needs.
Although solar panels do get cheaper on a per-watt basis, the overall cost of the system will increase as more panels are added.
But, the higher a home’s energy usage, the more solar panels can save the homeowners on their energy bills.
The price of solar panels can vary depending on the type of solar panels you choose.
There are two main types of solar panels for residential solar installations: monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Monocrystalline solar panels tend to be more efficient and more expensive than other solar panels. Polycrystalline panels have a lower efficiency rating and come at a lower price point.
The type of inverter you buy will also influence the cost of your solar system.
You may see some solar quotes with prices that seem too good to be true.
If you get quoted for a ridiculously cheap price, the installer might be using low-quality equipment or an unsustainable pricing model. You want to use a solar installer that is charging enough so that they can stay in business - as you’ll be relying on them for the next 25 years!
It’s important to make sure that your installer is giving you the best quality at the best price possible. This is why getting multiple solar quotes is so important.
The overall cost of solar can be influenced by the solar incentives available.
Across the U.S., homeowners can apply for the federal solar tax credit. The solar tax credit makes installing solar more cost-effective by providing homeowners with a tax credit equal to 30% of the cost of their installed solar panel system.
Local solar tax incentives and rebates can end up saving homeowners thousands on a solar installation, especially when they’re used with the federal solar tax credit.
See what solar incentives are available in your area by using our solar panel calculator.
The cost of installing residential solar panels in Virginia Beach varies with the brand of solar panels and inverters you choose, the installation company you choose to install them, the relative ease or difficulty of installing solar panels on your home, and of course the amount of solar panels you need. The amount of solar panels you need is, in turn, related to your energy usage.
The table below shows the data extracted from a real life quote delivered through the SolarReviews marketplace recently for a fairly typical home in Virginia Beach.
As you can see the payback period is relatively short and equates to a much better return on investment than he historical returns that have been available from investing in things like shares or property.
System information | Value |
---|---|
System Size (for 100% usage offset) | 10.95 kW |
Annual power generation | 16,623 kWh |
Pay-back time (assuming Cash purchase) | 10.3 Years |
Internal rate of return (IRR) on investment | 4.6% |
Gross cost | $26,809 |
Total Upfront Incentives and Rebates | -$6,972 |
Net Cost of System after rebated and incentives | $19,842 |
Total Cost of Utility Power Avoided over 25 years | $60,802 |