Solar Panel Cost Guide in Morgantown, WV (2024 Update)
- Morgantown Solar Installation Cost: $27,446
- 25-Year Savings: $26,686
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Morgantown
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Morgantown.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Morgantown typically cost around 3.The average solar panel system size in Morgantown is around 11.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $27,446 for a solar installation, or $39,248 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Morgantown homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on electricity 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 Morgantown
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-26,016 |
3 years | $-23,157 |
5 years | $-20,298 |
7 years | $-17,440 |
9 years | $-14,581 |
11 years | $-11,722 |
13 years | $-8,863 |
15 years | $-6,004 |
17 years | $-3,145 |
19 years | $-286 |
21 years | $2,573 |
23 years | $5,432 |
25 years | $8,291 |
Top Solar Installers in Morgantown
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Morgantown, therefore optimizing your ROI.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Morgantown:
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 Morgantown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Morgantown
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Morgantown is $27,446, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Morgantown, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,390 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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 in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Morgantown average.
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 Morgantown homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s wise to factor 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
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Morgantown’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $10,124 | 14.8 years |
8 kW | $3.46 | $19,364 | $13,879 | 14.6 years |
10 kW | $3.39 | $23,730 | $17,823 | 14.3 years |
12 kW | $3.32 | $27,906 | $21,957 | 14.0 years |
14 kW | $3.25 | $31,893 | $26,281 | 13.7 years |
16 kW | $3.19 | $35,690 | $30,795 | 13.4 years |
18 kW | $3.12 | $39,297 | $35,498 | 13.1 years |
20 kW | $3.05 | $42,714 | $40,392 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Morgantown, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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 Morgantown, WV Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Morgantown?
The average cost of solar panels in Morgantown is about $16,950 for a 5-kW system and $33,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Morgantown?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Morgantown, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate 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?
Though 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.