Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairmont, WV (2024 Update)
- Fairmont Solar Installation Cost: $27,274
- 25-Year Savings: $8,462
- Payback Period: 14.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fairmont
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Fairmont.
In Fairmont, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Fairmont homeowner needs a 11.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $27,274 with the federal tax credit, or $39,002 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Fairmont see about $16,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Fairmont
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,845 |
| 3 years | $-22,986 |
| 5 years | $-20,127 |
| 7 years | $-17,268 |
| 9 years | $-14,409 |
| 11 years | $-11,550 |
| 13 years | $-8,691 |
| 15 years | $-5,832 |
| 17 years | $-2,973 |
| 19 years | $-115 |
| 21 years | $2,744 |
| 23 years | $5,603 |
| 25 years | $8,462 |
Top Solar Installers in Fairmont
Installing solar panels yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Fairmont:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Fairmont
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairmont
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Fairmont: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,390. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Fairmont average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Fairmont to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Fairmont, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may see 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 specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $9,316 | 15.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.46 | $19,364 | $12,801 | 15.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.39 | $23,730 | $16,476 | 14.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.32 | $27,906 | $20,341 | 14.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.25 | $31,893 | $24,395 | 14.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.19 | $35,690 | $28,640 | 13.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.12 | $39,297 | $33,074 | 13.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.05 | $42,714 | $37,698 | 13.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panel system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Fairmont, WV Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fairmont?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $16,950 for a 5-kW system and $33,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Fairmont?
Solar panels aren’t free in Fairmont, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Fairmont is currently $159,364, so you could be looking at a value of about $6,534 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Fairmont is a fruitful investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 higher level 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.