Solar Panel Cost Guide in Princeton, WV (2025 Update)
- Princeton Solar Installation Cost: $25,743
- 25-Year Savings: $28,841
- Payback Period: 13.2 Years
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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.Using this figure, a typical 10.8-kW system would cost about $25,743 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Princeton homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Princeton see about $17,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Princeton for a custom estimate.
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
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Princeton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Princeton
While the average cost of a solar system in Princeton is $25,743, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
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 choose 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
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- 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.
EcoWatch's Princeton, WV Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Princeton?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Princeton?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Princeton, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, 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 having solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
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 opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.