Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dunbar, WV (2024 Update)

  • Dunbar Solar Installation Cost: $26,469
  • 25-Year Savings: $28,276
  • Payback Period: 13.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dunbar

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Dunbar.

In Dunbar, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Dunbar, most homeowners require a 11.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $26,469, or $37,851 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.With average savings of about $17,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Dunbar find installing solar panels can pay off big.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Dunbar for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Dunbar

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 Dunbar

DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Dunbar

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dunbar

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Dunbar is $26,469, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and type of equipment you choose 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Dunbar, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to 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 getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you hire to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Dunbar, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Dunbar know more 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 $11,490 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

The solar panel company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:

  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
  • Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Dunbar, WV Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dunbar?

The average cost of solar panels in Dunbar 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Can you get solar panels for free in Dunbar?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Dunbar. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Is it worth going solar in Dunbar?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.

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