Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dunbar, WV (2025 Update)
- Dunbar 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 Dunbar
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Dunbar.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Dunbar is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Dunbar 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.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Dunbar homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
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
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, opting for a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Dunbar
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dunbar
There are many factors that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Dunbar, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,390 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Dunbar average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Dunbar, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.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
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining how much it costs. Dunbar’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, 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: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
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 actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Dunbar?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Dunbar. However, you may still be able to get 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?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 how much 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.