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
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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.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Beckley, most homeowners require a 11.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $26,064, or $37,272 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Beckley homeowner can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, 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
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
For many Beckley homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Beckley, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Beckley to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can affect your pricing. Beckley’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $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 kind 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 select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
What is the average cost of installing 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 real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Beckley?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Beckley?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily 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 install 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.