Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oak Hill, WV (Feb 2023)
- Oak Hill Solar Installation Cost: $20,550
- 25-Year Savings: $28,339
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oak Hill
We break down average solar pricing in Oak Hill.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Oak Hill typically cost around $3. Since a 11.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Oak Hill, the average price of going solar will be about $20,550 before claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Oak Hill based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Despite the high initial cost, the average Oak Hill homeowner can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Oak Hill
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,594 |
| 3 years | $-14,683 |
| 5 years | $-10,772 |
| 7 years | $-6,861 |
| 9 years | $-2,950 |
| 11 years | $961 |
| 13 years | $4,873 |
| 15 years | $8,784 |
| 17 years | $12,695 |
| 19 years | $16,606 |
| 21 years | $20,517 |
| 23 years | $24,428 |
| 25 years | $28,339 |
Top Solar Installers in Oak Hill
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy usage, but going with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Oak Hill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oak Hill
There are several criteria that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,640. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Oak Hill average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Oak Hill homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $14,847 | 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
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
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 tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Oak Hill?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $879.29 per year.
How many solar panels do I need 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.