Solar Panel Cost Guide in Beckley, WV (2023 Update)
- Beckley Solar Installation Cost: $20,291
- 25-Year Savings: $29,651
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Beckley
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Beckley.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Beckley generally cost around 2.64. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Beckley, most homeowners require a 11.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $20,291, or $29,016 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Beckley homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Beckley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,293 |
| 3 years | $-14,298 |
| 5 years | $-10,303 |
| 7 years | $-6,307 |
| 9 years | $-2,312 |
| 11 years | $1,684 |
| 13 years | $5,679 |
| 15 years | $9,674 |
| 17 years | $13,670 |
| 19 years | $17,665 |
| 21 years | $21,661 |
| 23 years | $25,656 |
| 25 years | $29,651 |
Top Solar Installers in Beckley
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Beckley, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Beckley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Beckley
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Beckley: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Beckley, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,640 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Beckley to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Beckley homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Beckley is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $15,751 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.69 | $15,080 | $21,297 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.64 | $18,480 | $26,990 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.59 | $21,732 | $32,832 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.53 | $24,837 | $38,821 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.48 | $27,794 | $44,959 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.43 | $30,603 | $51,244 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.38 | $33,264 | $57,677 | 9.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two 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 past customers.
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 Beckley, WV Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Beckley?
The average cost of solar panels in Beckley is about $13,200 for a 5-kW system and $26,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Beckley?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Does Beckley have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Beckley?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.