Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dunbar, WV (2023 Update)
- Dunbar 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 Dunbar
We break down average solar pricing in Dunbar.
The average cost of a solar system in Dunbar is 2.64 per watt. Since a 11.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Dunbar, the average price of going solar will be about $20,605 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs may differ based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Dunbar for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Dunbar
| 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 Dunbar
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, 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 advantage of using a solar company is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by reducing 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'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Dunbar:
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 Dunbar
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dunbar
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Dunbar: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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 over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Dunbar average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Dunbar offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Dunbar, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. 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 additional 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
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to get plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Dunbar, WV Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dunbar?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Dunbar?
A solar panel system isn't free in Dunbar, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt 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 Dunbar?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.