Solar Panel Cost Guide in Princeton, WV (2024 Update)

  • Princeton Solar Installation Cost: $25,743
  • 25-Year Savings: $28,841
  • Payback Period: 13.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 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 Princeton

We break down average solar pricing in Princeton.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Princeton, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Princeton is around 10.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $25,743 for a solar installation, or $36,812 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Despite the large initial cost, the average Princeton homeowner can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

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

Solar savings over time in Princeton

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-24,118
3 years $-20,866
5 years $-17,615
7 years $-14,364
9 years $-11,112
11 years $-7,861
13 years $-4,610
15 years $-1,358
17 years $1,893
19 years $5,144
21 years $8,396
23 years $11,647
25 years $14,898

Top Solar Installers in Princeton

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over time.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
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 Princeton

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Princeton

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Princeton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Princeton is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. 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 lower to compete with bigger names.

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 $12,232 13.7 years
8 kW $3.46 $19,364 $16,688 13.4 years
10 kW $3.39 $23,730 $21,335 13.2 years
12 kW $3.32 $27,906 $26,172 12.9 years
14 kW $3.25 $31,893 $31,198 12.6 years
16 kW $3.19 $35,690 $36,414 12.4 years
18 kW $3.12 $39,297 $41,820 12.1 years
20 kW $3.05 $42,714 $47,416 11.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you opt for.
  • Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panel system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
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 Princeton, WV Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Princeton?

This is a difficult 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Princeton?

Solar panels aren’t free in Princeton, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.

How will solar panels impact my property value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Princeton is currently $151,498, which means you can expect a value of about $6,211 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Princeton is a worthwhile investment.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.

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.

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