Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oak Hill, WV (2023 Update)
- Oak Hill Solar Installation Cost: $20,550
- 25-Year Savings: $28,339
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oak Hill
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Oak Hill.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Oak Hill generally cost around 2.64. Since a 11.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Oak Hill, the average price of going solar will be about $20,550 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Oak Hill based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Oak Hill for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Oak Hill
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,387 |
| 3 years | $-20,061 |
| 5 years | $-19,735 |
| 7 years | $-19,409 |
| 9 years | $-19,083 |
| 11 years | $-18,757 |
| 13 years | $-18,431 |
| 15 years | $-18,105 |
| 17 years | $-17,779 |
| 19 years | $-17,454 |
| 21 years | $-17,128 |
| 23 years | $-16,802 |
| 25 years | $-16,476 |
Top Solar Installers in Oak Hill
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and expertise. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Another advantage of using a solar company is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Oak Hill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oak Hill
There are several criteria that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,640 per kilowatt in Oak Hill. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Oak Hill to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. 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
The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Oak Hill, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 | $14,847 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.69 | $15,080 | $20,092 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.64 | $18,480 | $25,484 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.59 | $21,732 | $31,025 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.53 | $24,837 | $36,713 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.48 | $27,794 | $42,549 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.43 | $30,603 | $48,533 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.38 | $33,264 | $54,665 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Oak Hill, WV Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Oak Hill?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,200 for a 5-kW system and $26,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other 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.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Oak Hill?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of 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.
Is it worth going solar in Oak Hill?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.