Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bluefield, WV (2024 Update)
- Bluefield Solar Installation Cost: $25,743
- 25-Year Savings: $28,841
- Payback Period: 13.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bluefield
We break down average solar pricing in Bluefield.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bluefield, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 10.8-kW system would cost about $25,743 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Bluefield homeowner can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bluefield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,118 |
| 3 years | $-20,866 |
| 5 years | $-17,615 |
| 7 years | $-14,364 |
| 9 years | $-11,112 |
| 11 years | $-7,861 |
| 13 years | $-4,610 |
| 15 years | $-1,358 |
| 17 years | $1,893 |
| 19 years | $5,144 |
| 21 years | $8,396 |
| 23 years | $11,647 |
| 25 years | $14,898 |
Top Solar Installers in Bluefield
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since installing solar panels yourself can be hard. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Bluefield, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Bluefield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bluefield
The cost of installing a solar system in Bluefield 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
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,390.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with 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 choose to install your solar panel system can impact how much it costs. Bluefield’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $12,232 | 13.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.46 | $19,364 | $16,688 | 13.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.39 | $23,730 | $21,335 | 13.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.32 | $27,906 | $26,172 | 12.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.25 | $31,893 | $31,198 | 12.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.19 | $35,690 | $36,414 | 12.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.12 | $39,297 | $41,820 | 12.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.05 | $42,714 | $47,416 | 11.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar 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 EcoWatch.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
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 Bluefield, WV Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bluefield?
The average cost of solar panels in Bluefield 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Bluefield?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Bluefield. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $901.30 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.