Solar Panel Cost Guide in Elkins, WV (2023 Update)
- Elkins Solar Installation Cost: $20,959
- 25-Year Savings: $27,100
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Elkins
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Elkins.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Elkins, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.64 per watt. Because a 11.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Elkins, the average price of going solar will be about $20,956 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $16,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Elkins find investing in solar can pay off big.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Elkins
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,530 |
| 3 years | $-16,671 |
| 5 years | $-13,812 |
| 7 years | $-10,953 |
| 9 years | $-8,094 |
| 11 years | $-5,235 |
| 13 years | $-2,376 |
| 15 years | $483 |
| 17 years | $3,342 |
| 19 years | $6,201 |
| 21 years | $9,059 |
| 23 years | $11,918 |
| 25 years | $14,777 |
Top Solar Installers in Elkins
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, especially if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Elkins
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Elkins
While the average cost of a solar system in Elkins is $20,956, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Elkins, 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 usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,640 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Elkins homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Elkins is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $13,893 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.69 | $15,080 | $18,820 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.64 | $18,480 | $23,894 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.59 | $21,732 | $29,117 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.53 | $24,837 | $34,487 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.48 | $27,794 | $40,005 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.43 | $30,603 | $45,671 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.38 | $33,264 | $51,485 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Elkins, WV Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Elkins?
The average cost of solar panels in Elkins is about $13,200 for a 5-kW system and $26,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial 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 keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Elkins, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.