Solar Panel Cost Guide in Barboursville, WV (2023 Update)

  • Barboursville Solar Installation Cost: $20,328
  • 25-Year Savings: $28,561
  • Payback Period: 10.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Barboursville

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Barboursville.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Barboursville it's 2.64 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 11.0-kW system would cost about $20,328 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in Barboursville

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-18,372
3 years $-14,461
5 years $-10,550
7 years $-6,639
9 years $-2,728
11 years $1,183
13 years $5,094
15 years $9,005
17 years $12,917
19 years $16,828
21 years $20,739
23 years $24,650
25 years $28,561

Top Solar Installers in Barboursville

Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a dangerous project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another benefit of using a solar company is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Barboursville:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Barboursville

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Barboursville

The cost of installing a solar system in Barboursville can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Barboursville, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,640 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Barboursville to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. 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 can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Barboursville is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Barboursville know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $2.75 $11,532 $15,127 10.8 years
8 kW $2.69 $15,080 $20,465 10.6 years
10 kW $2.64 $18,480 $25,951 10.4 years
12 kW $2.59 $21,732 $31,585 10.2 years
14 kW $2.53 $24,837 $37,367 10.0 years
16 kW $2.48 $27,794 $43,296 9.8 years
18 kW $2.43 $30,603 $49,373 9.6 years
20 kW $2.38 $33,264 $55,599 9.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies available in Barboursville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Barboursville, WV Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Barboursville?

The average cost of solar panels in Barboursville is about $13,200 for a 5-kW system and $26,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Barboursville?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.

How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?

It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Barboursville, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.

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