Solar Panel Cost Guide in Charles Town, WV (2024 Update)
- Charles Town Solar Installation Cost: $25,705
- 25-Year Savings: $28,042
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Charles Town
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power 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 3 per watt.Because a 10.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Charles Town, the average price of going solar will be about $25,705 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $17,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Charles Town that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Charles Town
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,276 |
| 3 years | $-21,417 |
| 5 years | $-18,558 |
| 7 years | $-15,699 |
| 9 years | $-12,840 |
| 11 years | $-9,981 |
| 13 years | $-7,122 |
| 15 years | $-4,263 |
| 17 years | $-1,404 |
| 19 years | $1,455 |
| 21 years | $4,314 |
| 23 years | $7,173 |
| 25 years | $10,031 |
Top Solar Installers in Charles Town
Installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Charles Town
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Charles Town
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Charles Town is $25,705, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,390. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Charles Town, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Charles Town homeowners, they can also raise 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 last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Charles Town, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Charles Town are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $11,812 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.46 | $19,364 | $16,130 | 13.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.39 | $23,730 | $20,637 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.32 | $27,906 | $25,334 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.25 | $31,893 | $30,220 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.19 | $35,690 | $35,297 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.12 | $39,297 | $40,563 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.05 | $42,714 | $46,019 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Charles Town, WV Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Charles Town?
The average cost of solar panels in Charles Town 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons 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.
Does Charles Town have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates 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?
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 higher 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.