Solar Panels Cost 10k-20k in Portsmouth, VA | November, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $10k-$20k in Portsmouth, VA | November, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in Portsmouth, VA in 2024?

During November, 2024, the average cost for going solar in Portsmouth, VA was $3.62/W.

This means that, solar panels will cost you about $3,620 per 1 kW (or 1000 watts) of production capacity. After subtracting the 30% federal tax credit, a 5 kW system in Portsmouth typically costs $12,670. To ensure your energy requirements are met, you may need a larger system.

On the left-hand side, you can select your county to see the typical roof size and the maximum capacity for solar panels in residences in your area. Below is a breakdown of the price, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system in your county.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Portsmouth: $12,670US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Portsmouth: 8 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Portsmouth: $15,606US Average: $16,169

Solar Potential in Portsmouth

Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in
Portsmouth.

Roof size 697sq. ft.
Capacity 9.75kW DC
Electricity 12.1kkWh AC per yr.

Electricity Costs in Portsmouth, VA & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing

The typical kWh usage for a Portsmouth resident is 1,014 monthly, with an average electric bill of $140.44. Consider that this statistic includes smaller residences including apartments, known for lower energy use.

Portsmouth, VA's electricity rate is 13.85¢ per kWh in November 2024.

An average energy consumer in Portsmouth must have a solar power system of at least 8 kW to account for their entire energy needs. Upfront, an 8 kWsolar installation will cost about $28,960, with the 30% tax credit, the price drops to $20,272.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Portsmouth

Displayed on the left side, is a comprehensive cost summary of the different sizes of solar panel systems set up in Portsmouth. A larger solar array will expectedly cost more, but it will also yield more significant electricity savings and increased income tax credits.

The calculator down and to the right gives a detailed summary of solar panel costs and benefits, based on an average electric bill of $140.44 in Portsmouth. If you prefer more tailored results, just modify the $140.44 to what your average electricity bill is.

System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $856 a year
Est. Price
$10,136
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 6,112 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $71
  • Full payback in 6 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.75 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 126 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 6,803 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,070 a year
Est. Price
$12,670
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,640 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $89
  • Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.44 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 158 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 8,504 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,284 a year
Est. Price
$15,204
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 9,168 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $107
  • Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.12 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 189 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 10,205 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,497 a year
Est. Price
$17,738
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 10,696 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $125
  • Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.81 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 221 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 11,906 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,711 a year
Est. Price
$20,272
Savings from a 8kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 12,224 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $140
  • Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.4 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 248 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 13,357 mi less a year

Portsmouth Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

The REAP Grant can potentially cover between 80% and 100% of the installation costs for photovoltaic or wind turbines for rural small businesses and farms. Curious if you are eligible? Our REAP Grant eligibility tool can help you find out.

For those looking into residential solar, the 30% federal income tax credit is available to almost all homeowners, which makes solar a sensible option in various states. Apart from the federal incentives, state and local programs also aim to boost solar energy uptake.

In Virginia, different utilities and government bodies offer 8 solar rebate and incentive initiatives.

Commercial Solar Property Tax Exemption

Value:Varies

In June of 2000, Austin passed Resolution No. 000608-43, mandating that all newly constructed dwellings must be built to conform with the U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver. This policy was further revised and enhanced in November 2007 under Resolution No. 20071129-045 to set two additional criteria for instigating the LEED Silver requirement for both new construction and major renovations. Likewise, home renovations smaller in scope but costing $300,000 or more and requiring work in the LEED energy and atmosphere, material and resources, must, at a minimum, necessarily achieve LEED Silver certification.

Net Metering

Value:Varies

In Virginia, renewable energy customers may enroll in net metering contracts to receive compensation for using their generation equipment. Net metering is standardized for private and cooperative electric utilities, but not for local public utilities. Upon approval of a customer's net metering application, their utility will install a bidirectional meter onto the system to measure net excess generation (NEG) sent back to the grid. Customers will be compensated per kW of NEG at a fixed avoided-cost rate. Fees may apply depending on system capacity and jurisdiction. Additional information is available from individual utilities.

Local Option - Residential Property Tax Exemption for Solar

Value:Varies

In Virginia, local and county governments may choose to promote solar energy adoption and recycling equipment through property tax incentives. Participating localities may implement either partial or total exemptions on any equipment used to generate, store, or distribute solar power or energy for heating/cooling. Any solar PV and active/passive water or space heater may qualify. Additional information is available from local governments.

Energy Project and Equipment Financing

Value:Varies

Over the roughly the last two decades, The City of Austin instituted several ambitious energy efficiency codes, policies, and programs. In February 2007, its city council signed into law the Austin Climate Protection Plan that promoted the drafting of a wide diversity of new building codes intended to reduce energy consumption in new single-family homes by 65% and other buildings both private and public, by 75%. Prior to this, Austin introduced the first green building program in the U.S. with the Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB) that proposed a five-star rating system for assessing energy efficiency. While buildings must meet the prescriptive code requirements of the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code, Chapter 4, regarding the Commercial rating, meeting the series of Basic Requirements (required for all AEGB rated projects) are considered voluntary.

Small Business & Non-Profit Loan Program

Value:Varies

In 2009, Forth Worth voted to adopt the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code to include such amendments as the City Building Code. In accordance with State Law, The City of Forth Worth presently enforces the 2015 International Conservation Code with all amendments thereto. Both the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code with amendments and Code 2013 ASHRAE 90.1 are effectively used in Forth Worth to maintain state-level compliance with the Texas energy conservation mandate for all commercial buildings within the state.

Local Option- Renewable Energy Machinery and Tools Property Tax Exemption

Value:Varies

In 2014, Houston passed a municipal law, Ordinance No. 2014-5 in the year 2014 that made it a requirement for new residential construction to exceed the energy efficiency requirements under the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) by 15%. The City of Houston then legislated to bring itself in alignment with Chapter 11 of the 2015 IECC and its amendments, per state law. Before that time, in 2008, Houston effectuated the City of Houston Commercial Energy Conservation Code based on ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2004.

Green Job Creation Tax Credit

Value:Varies

Oncor residential customers can take advantage of rebates offered by its utility, Oncor Electric Delivery, after installing a photovoltaic (PV) system on their properties. Residential homeowners, service providers, and third parties, alike, are eligible for the rebate. To qualify, the home must have Oncor Systems as its electric delivery service provider, the systems are required to be new, connected to the grid, and meet all applicable code requirements. Installations must be performed by approved service providers who meet the program’s eligibility requirements.

VirginiaSAVES Green Community Loan Program

Value:Varies

Members of CoServ Electric Cooperative can access a rebate program available to them after installing a solar energy system on their property. To qualify, customers are required to execute an interconnection agreement (with net metering) for on-site generation with CoServ. All energy that’s acquired from generation produced by the system is given to CoServ without compensation. Concerning this rebate program, interested parties should contact the utility directly or visit their homepage for the most up-to-date information.

Are solar panels worth it in Virginia?

If you plan to live in your home beyond the payback period of your solar system, solar panels are an clear choice in Portsmouth. A 5 kW solar system in Portsmouth, VA could potentially save you $21,035.6 over the course of 20 years, with the break even point usually at 8 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Portsmouth, VA

Without solar panels or another energy backup source, you miss out on the savings discussed earlier and are completely dependent on your electric utility for power. As illustrated in numerous recent news reports, total dependence on your utility is not always ideal.

Each year, utility customers in Portsmouth have faced an average of 1.32 outages per year. On average, an outage lasts 89.9 minutes. Major events such as planned maintenance, overloaded power grids or hurricanes can significantly extend these time frames.

A solar panel system, with or without a backup battery, could help mitigate the effects of future outages you might experience.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Portsmouth city.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Portsmouth, VA?

Your Energy Needs - Larger solar panel systems have a higher initial cost, yet the average cost per watt falls as the system size expands. It is often beneficial for homeowners to install a solar system that can generate enough electricity to completely replace their electric bill, which results in significant savings.

Make & Model - There are a range of makes and models of solar panels. Considering the brand preferences that your installer may have, it's essential to choose a reputable contractor. Selecting better quality materials usually provides a more positive long-term experience for the buyer.

Solar Panel Type - For several valid reasons, monocrystalline panels are now the industry standard. Despite the higher price tag, these panels provide greater energy output. Many installation experts use panels constructed from this material.

Your Property - Factors such as trees, uneven landscapes, or additional hurdles may cause the installation to be more difficult. These days, the majority of solar installers can leverage satellite imagery to assess your home and factor in these aspects into the first cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Companies compensate their employees in varying amounts, and these costs are passed down to consumers. Businesses paying more to their employees often receive higher reviews for their services and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Depending on the area, local permitting and utility interconnection fees will impact the cost of your installation. Experienced local installers will include these figures in your initial estimates to guarantee transparency.

See what solar panels cost in other VA cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Portsmouth?

Milestone Solar

Falling Waters CDP, WV(866) 688-4274

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Solar SME

Duncanville, TX(832) 626-2337

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.

Paradise Energy Solutions

Paradise CDP, PA(877) 851-9269

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Blue Ridge Sun

Max Meadows CDP, VA(276) 637-0117

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

GreenBrilliance

Herndon, VA(703) 657-0090

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Academy Energy Group

Newburgh, IN(812) 518-2150

Services

  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Powur PBC

Del Mar, CA(866) 467-6987

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Core Development Group

(201) 825-2195

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

IonSOLAR

Provo, UT(888) 781-7074

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Nova Solar

Falls Church, VA(703) 457-8311

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Baseline Solar Solutions

Blacksburg, VA(540) 552-1511

Services

  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

SunPro Solar

Mandeville, LA(866) 599-3643

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Power Home Solar

Mooresville, NC(704) 870-3670

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Solar Energy World

Laurel, MD(866) 856-4580

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Dividend Finance

Cincinnati, OH(415) 805-7000

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Convert Solar

Virginia Beach, VA(757) 447-6527

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Palmetto Solar

Charleston, SC(855) 339-1831

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Ipsun Solar

Washington, DC(866) 484-7786

Services

  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

SunPower Corporation

San Jose, CA(800) 786-7693

Services

  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Aurora Energy

Columbia CDP, MD(410) 505-4848

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Silver Sun Solar

Deltona, FL(407) 832-42452

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

ConEdison Solutions

Valhalla CDP, NY(914) 286-7000

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Solargaines

(410) 785-1760

Services

  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Commonwealth Power

Richmond, VA(804) 573-9513

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Reparation of batteries.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.

Sunnova Energy

Houston, TX(866) 786-6682

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Reparation of batteries.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Sunrun

San Francisco, CA(833) 394-3384

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Sigora Solar

Charlottesville, VA(434) 465-6192

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Entegrity

Little Rock, AR(800) 700-1414

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.

Capital Solar Group

Glen Burnie CDP, MD(240) 229-6809

Services

  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Reparation of batteries.
  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Engie North America

Houston, TX(713) 636-1900

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Altenergy

Charlottesville, VA(434) 293-3763

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

MTV Solar

Bath (Berkeley Springs), WV(304) 258-4733

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.

City Electric Supply

Dallas, TX(866) 634-9853

Services

  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.

Lumina Solar

Baltimore, MD(800) 971-6118

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Prospect Solar

Sterling CDP, VA(703) 444-2447

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

PowerHome Solar

Mooresville, NC(704) 870-3670

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Cinci Home Solar

Cincinnati, OH(513) 616-6044

Services

  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Portsmouth, VA Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • As of November, 2024, the average per-watt cost for solar panels in Portsmouth, VA is $3.62/W. Post federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar panel system installation in Portsmouth, VA will roughly cost $12,670.

  • Currently, Virginia residents can benefit from 8 rebates and incentives available through various utilities and government bodies. Also, nearly everyone can take advantage of the 30% federal tax credit.

  • Paying cash will lead to the most savings, but currently there are multiple options for financing solar panels that make great money sense as well. Installers frequently offer financing options and will include them in your initial quotes.

  • Yes, the payback period for 5 kW solar energy systems in Portsmouth, VA averages 8 years, with electricity savings of about $21,035.6 over 20 years.
Alex Zdanov
Last Reviewed By: Alex Zdanov
Published: 2024-11-05