Solar Panel Cost Guide in Culloden, WV (2023 Update)
- Culloden Solar Installation Cost: $20,384
- 25-Year Savings: $28,505
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Culloden
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Culloden.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Culloden is 2.64 per watt. The average Culloden homeowner needs a 11.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,383 with the federal tax credit, or $29,148 before the 30% 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 installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. With typical savings of about $17,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Culloden find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Culloden that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Culloden
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,221 |
| 3 years | $-19,895 |
| 5 years | $-19,569 |
| 7 years | $-19,243 |
| 9 years | $-18,917 |
| 11 years | $-18,591 |
| 13 years | $-18,265 |
| 15 years | $-17,939 |
| 17 years | $-17,613 |
| 19 years | $-17,287 |
| 21 years | $-16,962 |
| 23 years | $-16,636 |
| 25 years | $-16,310 |
Top Solar Installers in Culloden
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to use a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Culloden, the EcoWatch team has put together 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 Culloden
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Culloden
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Culloden: 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 significant 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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,640 per kilowatt in Culloden. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Culloden to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Culloden is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, 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 | $15,062 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.69 | $15,080 | $20,378 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.64 | $18,480 | $25,843 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.59 | $21,732 | $31,455 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.53 | $24,837 | $37,215 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.48 | $27,794 | $43,122 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.43 | $30,603 | $49,178 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.38 | $33,264 | $55,381 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Culloden, WV Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Culloden?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider 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 areas 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 Culloden?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.