Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oak Hill, WV (2024 Update)

  • Oak Hill Solar Installation Cost: $26,388
  • 25-Year Savings: $28,339
  • Payback Period: 13.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oak Hill

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Oak Hill.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Oak Hill generally cost about 3.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Oak Hill, most homeowners require a 11.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $26,388, or $37,735 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Oak Hill depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Oak Hill can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Oak Hill

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-24,762
3 years$-21,511
5 years$-18,259
7 years$-15,008
9 years$-11,757
11 years$-8,505
13 years$-5,254
15 years$-2,003
17 years$1,249
19 years$4,500
21 years$7,751
23 years$11,003
25 years$14,254

Top Solar Installers in Oak Hill

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and handiness. For that reason, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.

If you're searching for a solar installer in Oak Hill, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Oak Hill

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oak Hill

Although the average cost of a solar system in Oak Hill is $26,388, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

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, your total will most likely increase by about $3,390. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Oak Hill, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Oak Hill homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installation company you choose will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to greater resources and bulk 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 names.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.53$14,808$11,57114.0 years
8 kW$3.46$19,364$15,80813.8 years
10 kW$3.39$23,730$20,23413.5 years
12 kW$3.32$27,906$24,85113.2 years
14 kW$3.25$31,893$29,65713.0 years
16 kW$3.19$35,690$34,65312.7 years
18 kW$3.12$39,297$39,83912.4 years
20 kW$3.05$42,714$45,21512.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies to choose from in Oak Hill, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Oak Hill, WV Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Oak Hill?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Oak Hill?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.