Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hurricane, WV (Mar 2023)
- Hurricane Solar Installation Cost: $20,439
- 25-Year Savings: $28,450
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hurricane
We break down average solar pricing in Hurricane.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Hurricane it's 2.64 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Hurricane is around 11.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,439 for a solar installation, or $29,228 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Hurricane homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $17,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Hurricane find going solar can pay off big.
To get a free quote from a top solar installer in Hurricane, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hurricane
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,483 |
| 3 years | $-14,572 |
| 5 years | $-10,661 |
| 7 years | $-6,750 |
| 9 years | $-2,839 |
| 11 years | $1,072 |
| 13 years | $4,983 |
| 15 years | $8,895 |
| 17 years | $12,806 |
| 19 years | $16,717 |
| 21 years | $20,628 |
| 23 years | $24,539 |
| 25 years | $28,450 |
Top Solar Installers in Hurricane
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your family.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations 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 Hurricane
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hurricane
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Hurricane: 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
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,640. The 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. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Hurricane average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. Hurricane's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more 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 promotion can bring their pricing down 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 | $14,997 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.69 | $15,080 | $20,292 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.64 | $18,480 | $25,734 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.59 | $21,732 | $31,324 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.53 | $24,837 | $37,062 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.48 | $27,794 | $42,948 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.43 | $30,603 | $48,982 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.38 | $33,264 | $55,164 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come 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 Hurricane, WV Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hurricane?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Hurricane?
You can't get solar panels for free in Hurricane. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Hurricane?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.