Solar Panel Cost Guide in Parkersburg, WV (2024 Update)
- Parkersburg Solar Installation Cost: $26,625
- 25-Year Savings: $27,325
- Payback Period: 13.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Parkersburg
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Parkersburg.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Parkersburg typically cost around 3.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Parkersburg, most homeowners require a 11.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $26,625, or $38,074 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Even with the large initial cost, the average Parkersburg homeowner can save around $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Parkersburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,196 |
| 3 years | $-22,337 |
| 5 years | $-19,478 |
| 7 years | $-16,619 |
| 9 years | $-13,760 |
| 11 years | $-10,901 |
| 13 years | $-8,042 |
| 15 years | $-5,183 |
| 17 years | $-2,325 |
| 19 years | $534 |
| 21 years | $3,393 |
| 23 years | $6,252 |
| 25 years | $9,111 |
Top Solar Installers in Parkersburg
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
There are several criteria that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,390 per kilowatt in Parkersburg.The brand and type of equipment you want 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 will be looking at 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
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will influence 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 compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $3.53 | $14,808 | $10,892 | 14.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.46 | $19,364 | $14,903 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.39 | $23,730 | $19,103 | 13.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.32 | $27,906 | $23,493 | 13.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.25 | $31,893 | $28,073 | 13.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.19 | $35,690 | $32,843 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.12 | $39,297 | $37,803 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.05 | $42,714 | $42,952 | 12.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation 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 things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- 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 look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through carefully 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.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Parkersburg?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Parkersburg. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Parkersburg?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity 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 Parkersburg?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.