Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clarksburg, WV (2024 Update)
- Clarksburg Solar Installation Cost: $27,013
- 25-Year Savings: $27,023
- Payback Period: 14.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clarksburg
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Clarksburg.
In Clarksburg, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Clarksburg homeowner needs a 11.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $27,013 with the federal tax credit, or $38,629 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Clarksburg can save about $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Clarksburg for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Clarksburg
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-25,584 |
3 years | $-22,725 |
5 years | $-19,866 |
7 years | $-17,007 |
9 years | $-14,148 |
11 years | $-11,289 |
13 years | $-8,430 |
15 years | $-5,571 |
17 years | $-2,712 |
19 years | $147 |
21 years | $3,006 |
23 years | $5,865 |
25 years | $8,724 |
Top Solar Installers in Clarksburg
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Another benefit of using a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're looking for a solar company in Clarksburg, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Clarksburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clarksburg
Although the average cost of a solar system in Clarksburg is $27,013, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,390 per kilowatt in Clarksburg.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Clarksburg homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Clarksburg is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $10,524 | 14.6 years |
8 kW | $3.46 | $19,364 | $14,411 | 14.3 years |
10 kW | $3.39 | $23,730 | $18,488 | 14.1 years |
12 kW | $3.32 | $27,906 | $22,756 | 13.8 years |
14 kW | $3.25 | $31,893 | $27,213 | 13.5 years |
16 kW | $3.19 | $35,690 | $31,860 | 13.2 years |
18 kW | $3.12 | $39,297 | $36,696 | 12.9 years |
20 kW | $3.05 | $42,714 | $41,723 | 12.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- 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 Clarksburg, WV Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clarksburg?
The average cost of solar panels in Clarksburg is about $16,950 for a 5-kW system and $33,900 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.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Clarksburg?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Clarksburg?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.