Solar Panel Cost Guide in Parkersburg, WV (2023 Update)
- Parkersburg Solar Installation Cost: $20,735
- 25-Year Savings: $27,325
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Parkersburg
We break down average solar pricing in Parkersburg.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Parkersburg generally cost about 2.64. Using this figure, a typical 11.2-kW system would cost about $20,735 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. Despite the high initial cost, the average Parkersburg homeowner can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Parkersburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,812 |
| 3 years | $-14,967 |
| 5 years | $-11,123 |
| 7 years | $-7,278 |
| 9 years | $-3,433 |
| 11 years | $412 |
| 13 years | $4,257 |
| 15 years | $8,101 |
| 17 years | $11,946 |
| 19 years | $15,791 |
| 21 years | $19,636 |
| 23 years | $23,480 |
| 25 years | $27,325 |
Top Solar Installers in Parkersburg
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Parkersburg:
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 Parkersburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Parkersburg
For many Parkersburg homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Parkersburg, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,640. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Parkersburg, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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 power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Parkersburg homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Parkersburg, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with 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 car 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 | $14,168 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.69 | $15,080 | $19,187 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.64 | $18,480 | $24,353 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.59 | $21,732 | $29,667 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.53 | $24,837 | $35,129 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.48 | $27,794 | $40,739 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.43 | $30,603 | $46,497 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.38 | $33,264 | $52,402 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
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 Parkersburg, WV Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Parkersburg?
The average cost of solar panels in Parkersburg is about $13,200 for a 5-kW system and $26,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Parkersburg?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get 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 Parkersburg?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.