Solar Panel Cost Guide in Charleston, WV (2025 Update)
- Charleston Solar Installation Cost: $26,469
- 25-Year Savings: $28,276
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Charleston
We break down average solar pricing in Charleston.
In Charleston, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Charleston is around 11.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $26,469 for a solar installation, or $37,851 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $17,000 in savings on electricity 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 Charleston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,844 |
| 3 years | $-21,592 |
| 5 years | $-18,341 |
| 7 years | $-15,090 |
| 9 years | $-11,838 |
| 11 years | $-8,587 |
| 13 years | $-5,336 |
| 15 years | $-2,084 |
| 17 years | $1,167 |
| 19 years | $4,418 |
| 21 years | $7,670 |
| 23 years | $10,921 |
| 25 years | $14,172 |
Top Solar Installers in Charleston
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but working with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Charleston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Charleston
The cost of installing a solar system in Charleston can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer 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 greater efficiency or power generation 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 brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Charleston, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Charleston, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut 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 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 | $3.53 | $14,808 | $11,490 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.46 | $19,364 | $15,700 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.39 | $23,730 | $20,099 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.32 | $27,906 | $24,689 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.25 | $31,893 | $29,468 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.19 | $35,690 | $34,437 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.12 | $39,297 | $39,596 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.05 | $42,714 | $44,945 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Charleston, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
EcoWatch's Charleston, WV Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Charleston?
The average cost of solar panels in Charleston 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.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Charleston?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 cover 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.