Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ranson, WV (2024 Update)
- Ranson Solar Installation Cost: $25,705
- 25-Year Savings: $28,042
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ranson
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Ranson.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Ranson, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.Since a 10.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Ranson, the average price of going solar will be about $25,705 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.With average savings of about $17,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Ranson find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ranson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,276 |
| 3 years | $-21,417 |
| 5 years | $-18,558 |
| 7 years | $-15,699 |
| 9 years | $-12,840 |
| 11 years | $-9,981 |
| 13 years | $-7,122 |
| 15 years | $-4,263 |
| 17 years | $-1,404 |
| 19 years | $1,455 |
| 21 years | $4,314 |
| 23 years | $7,173 |
| 25 years | $10,031 |
Top Solar Installers in Ranson
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your family.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Ranson, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Ranson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ranson
For many Ranson homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Ranson, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Ranson, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,390 for each additional kilowatt you need.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. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Ranson average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Ranson homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Ranson is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $3.53 | $14,808 | $11,812 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.46 | $19,364 | $16,130 | 13.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.39 | $23,730 | $20,637 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.32 | $27,906 | $25,334 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.25 | $31,893 | $30,220 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.19 | $35,690 | $35,297 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.12 | $39,297 | $40,563 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.05 | $42,714 | $46,019 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick 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 installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
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 Ranson, WV Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ranson?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Ranson?
Solar panels aren’t free in Ranson, 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 you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose 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?
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 larger 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.