Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bluefield, WV (2023 Update)
- Bluefield Solar Installation Cost: $20,051
- 25-Year Savings: $28,838
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bluefield
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Bluefield.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bluefield it's 2.64 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Bluefield is around 10.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,051 for a solar installation, or $28,673 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Bluefield homeowner. The price 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. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $17,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bluefield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,095 |
| 3 years | $-14,184 |
| 5 years | $-10,273 |
| 7 years | $-6,362 |
| 9 years | $-2,451 |
| 11 years | $1,460 |
| 13 years | $5,371 |
| 15 years | $9,283 |
| 17 years | $13,194 |
| 19 years | $17,105 |
| 21 years | $21,016 |
| 23 years | $24,927 |
| 25 years | $28,838 |
Top Solar Installers in Bluefield
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Bluefield, we've 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 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 biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Bluefield, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,640 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Bluefield average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Bluefield, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Bluefield homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Bluefield, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 | $15,508 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.69 | $15,080 | $20,972 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.64 | $18,480 | $26,585 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.59 | $21,732 | $32,346 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.53 | $24,837 | $38,254 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.48 | $27,794 | $44,310 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.43 | $30,603 | $50,514 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.38 | $33,264 | $56,866 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done 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 Bluefield, WV Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bluefield?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,200 for a 5-kW system and $26,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Bluefield, 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.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.