Solar Panel Cost Guide in Charleston, WV (2023 Update)
- Charleston Solar Installation Cost: $20,613
- 25-Year Savings: $28,276
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Charleston
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Charleston.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Charleston typically cost about 2.64. Since a 11.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Charleston, the average price of going solar will be about $20,605 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Charleston homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Charleston see about $17,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Charleston for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Charleston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,987 |
| 3 years | $-15,736 |
| 5 years | $-12,485 |
| 7 years | $-9,233 |
| 9 years | $-5,982 |
| 11 years | $-2,731 |
| 13 years | $521 |
| 15 years | $3,772 |
| 17 years | $7,023 |
| 19 years | $10,275 |
| 21 years | $13,526 |
| 23 years | $16,777 |
| 25 years | $20,029 |
Top Solar Installers in Charleston
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Another benefit of working with a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Charleston, we've organized 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 Charleston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Charleston
For many Charleston homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Charleston, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Charleston, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Charleston offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $14,766 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.69 | $15,080 | $19,984 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.64 | $18,480 | $25,349 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.59 | $21,732 | $30,863 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.53 | $24,837 | $36,524 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.48 | $27,794 | $42,333 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.43 | $30,603 | $48,290 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.38 | $33,264 | $54,395 | 9.5 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 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 $13,200 for a 5-kW system and $26,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property's value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Charleston?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.