Solar Panel Cost Guide in Martinsburg, WV (2023 Update)
- Martinsburg Solar Installation Cost: $20,125
- 25-Year Savings: $27,231
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Martinsburg
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Martinsburg.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Martinsburg, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.64 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 10.9-kW system would cost about $20,125 before the 30% federal solar 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 use, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Martinsburg can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Martinsburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,231 |
| 3 years | $-14,442 |
| 5 years | $-10,654 |
| 7 years | $-6,865 |
| 9 years | $-3,077 |
| 11 years | $712 |
| 13 years | $4,500 |
| 15 years | $8,288 |
| 17 years | $12,077 |
| 19 years | $15,865 |
| 21 years | $19,654 |
| 23 years | $23,442 |
| 25 years | $27,231 |
Top Solar Installers in Martinsburg
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Martinsburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Martinsburg
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Martinsburg: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,640 per kilowatt in Martinsburg. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. 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 Martinsburg homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Martinsburg homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Martinsburg is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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 | $14,563 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.69 | $15,080 | $19,713 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.64 | $18,480 | $25,011 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.59 | $21,732 | $30,456 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.53 | $24,837 | $36,050 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.48 | $27,794 | $41,791 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.43 | $30,603 | $47,680 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.38 | $33,264 | $53,717 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar 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 a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: It's important to read through 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 installation process.
- Warranty: A high-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: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Martinsburg, WV Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Martinsburg?
The average cost of solar panels in Martinsburg 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Martinsburg?
Solar panels aren't free in Martinsburg, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Does Martinsburg have a net metering program?
The majority of 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.
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 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.