Solar Panels Cost $15k-$25k in Roanoke, VA | April, 2025

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

For Roanoke energy consumers, the average electric bill is $139.60 per month, with a usage of 1,105 kWh. These numbers encompass apartments and other smaller homes with lower energy needs.

The mean rate for electricity in Roanoke, VA during April, 2025 is 12.63¢ per kWh.

In Roanoke, a system size of 10 kW or higher is needed for the average energy user to account for their full power usage demands. The cost of a a 10 kW solar installation is approximately $36,100 initially, but the federal tax credit provides a 30% credit, lowering your final cost to $25,270.

Are solar panels worth it in Virginia?

For those in Roanoke looking to stay in their homes past the payback period of their solar system, solar panels make excellent sense. Over a 20 year period, a 5 kW solar system in Roanoke, VA could save you approximately $20,869, with the average break even time being 8 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Roanoke, 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. Numerous recent news reports have illustrated that total reliance on your utility isn't always the best idea.

Lately, utilities in Roanoke have reported an average of 1.55 outages per customer annually. Each outage lasts an average of 276.97 minutes. In the case of major events such as thunderstorms, overloaded power grids, or vandalism, this period can increase substantially.

Having a solar panel system, with or without a backup battery, could lessen the pressure of any future outages you may encounter.

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

Your Energy Needs - Although the initial cost is greater, the cost per watt drops with larger solar panel systems. Installing a solar panel system that can cover the electric bill is advantageous to individuals because of the reduced long-term costs.

Make & Model - Solar panels and mounting equipment are offered in a wide variety of makes and models. The installer you select may have specific brand preferences, so it's crucial to choose a highly rated company. Better equipment generally result in an better long-term experience for the buyer.

Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels have become the industry standard, and for good reason. These panels have a higher cost but yield more energy. Most installers in the industry utilize panels made of this material.

Your Property - Each property and home has its own characteristics. Factors like sloped land, trees, or additional hurdles can make the installation more challenging. Most solar installers currently use satellite imagery to assess your home and factor in these elements into the first cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Employees receive varied wages from different companies, and these costs are handed down to the consumers. Companies typically receive higher reviews for their services and customer service when they pay higher wages.

Permitting & Interconnection - The cost of your installation will be influenced by the local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which change depending on the area. Quality local installers will integrate these figures into your first estimates to prevent any surprises.