Solar Panel Cost Guide in Moundsville, WV (2023 Update)
- Moundsville Solar Installation Cost: $21,141
- 25-Year Savings: $28,976
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Moundsville
We go over average solar pricing in Moundsville.
In Moundsville, solar panels cost about 2.64 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Moundsville is around 11.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $21,141 for a solar installation, or $30,232 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Moundsville depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $17,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Moundsville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,136 |
| 3 years | $-15,127 |
| 5 years | $-11,118 |
| 7 years | $-7,108 |
| 9 years | $-3,099 |
| 11 years | $910 |
| 13 years | $4,920 |
| 15 years | $8,929 |
| 17 years | $12,938 |
| 19 years | $16,948 |
| 21 years | $20,957 |
| 23 years | $24,966 |
| 25 years | $28,976 |
Top Solar Installers in Moundsville
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra time and expertise. That's one of the reasons most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. 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 Moundsville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Moundsville
For many Moundsville homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Moundsville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Moundsville, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,640 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Moundsville, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
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 Moundsville homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Moundsville is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is within 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 | $2.75 | $11,532 | $14,745 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.69 | $15,080 | $19,956 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.64 | $18,480 | $25,314 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.59 | $21,732 | $30,820 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.53 | $24,837 | $36,475 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.48 | $27,794 | $42,277 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.43 | $30,603 | $48,226 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.38 | $33,264 | $54,324 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
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 Moundsville, WV Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Moundsville?
The average cost of solar panels in Moundsville 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 things 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 thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Moundsville have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid 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 long do solar panels last in Moundsville?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.