Solar Panel Cost Guide in Beckley, WV (2024 Update)
- Beckley Solar Installation Cost: $26,064
- 25-Year Savings: $29,645
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Beckley
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Beckley.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Beckley, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average Beckley homeowner needs a 11.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $26,064 with the federal tax credit, or $37,272 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Beckley, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Beckley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,438 |
| 3 years | $-21,187 |
| 5 years | $-17,935 |
| 7 years | $-14,684 |
| 9 years | $-11,433 |
| 11 years | $-8,181 |
| 13 years | $-4,930 |
| 15 years | $-1,679 |
| 17 years | $1,573 |
| 19 years | $4,824 |
| 21 years | $8,075 |
| 23 years | $11,327 |
| 25 years | $14,578 |
Top Solar Installers in Beckley
Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another good thing about choosing a top solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Beckley, we've organized 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
There are many criteria that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,390 per kilowatt in Beckley.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Beckley provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.53 | $14,808 | $12,475 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.46 | $19,364 | $17,013 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.39 | $23,730 | $21,740 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.32 | $27,906 | $26,658 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.25 | $31,893 | $31,765 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.19 | $35,690 | $37,063 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.12 | $39,297 | $42,550 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.05 | $42,714 | $48,227 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like to install plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
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 $16,950 for a 5-kW system and $33,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual 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 Beckley?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to 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 home 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.
Is it worth going solar in Beckley?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.