Solar Panel Cost Guide in Charles Town, WV (2023 Update)
- Charles Town Solar Installation Cost: $20,014
- 25-Year Savings: $28,046
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Charles Town
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Charles Town.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Charles Town, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.64 per watt. The average Charles Town homeowner needs a 10.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,014 with the federal tax credit, or $28,620 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Charles Town homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Charles Town can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Charles Town for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Charles Town
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,091 |
| 3 years | $-14,247 |
| 5 years | $-10,402 |
| 7 years | $-6,557 |
| 9 years | $-2,712 |
| 11 years | $1,132 |
| 13 years | $4,977 |
| 15 years | $8,822 |
| 17 years | $12,667 |
| 19 years | $16,512 |
| 21 years | $20,356 |
| 23 years | $24,201 |
| 25 years | $28,046 |
Top Solar Installers in Charles Town
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Charles Town:
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 Charles Town
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Charles Town
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Charles Town: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,640 per kilowatt in Charles Town. The 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Charles Town average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Charles Town to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $15,088 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.69 | $15,080 | $20,414 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.64 | $18,480 | $25,887 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.59 | $21,732 | $31,508 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.53 | $24,837 | $37,276 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.48 | $27,794 | $43,193 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.43 | $30,603 | $49,257 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.38 | $33,264 | $55,469 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
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 Charles Town, WV Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Charles Town?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Charles Town?
Solar panels aren't free in Charles Town, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Does Charles Town have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.