Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ranson, WV (2023 Update)
- Ranson Solar Installation Cost: $20,014
- 25-Year Savings: $28,046
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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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 2.64 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Ranson, most homeowners require a 10.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $20,014, or $28,620 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ranson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,091 |
| 3 years | $-14,247 |
| 5 years | $-10,402 |
| 7 years | $-6,557 |
| 9 years | $-2,712 |
| 11 years | $1,132 |
| 13 years | $4,977 |
| 15 years | $8,822 |
| 17 years | $12,667 |
| 19 years | $16,512 |
| 21 years | $20,356 |
| 23 years | $24,201 |
| 25 years | $28,046 |
Top Solar Installers in Ranson
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be hard. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Ranson, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Ranson: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over 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 installing solar panels. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider 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 difficult, solar loans are a solid option 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 a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Ranson is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of 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 discount can bring their pricing down 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 | $2.75 | $11,532 | $15,088 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.69 | $15,080 | $20,414 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.64 | $18,480 | $25,887 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.59 | $21,732 | $31,508 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.53 | $24,837 | $37,276 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.48 | $27,794 | $43,193 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.43 | $30,603 | $49,257 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.38 | $33,264 | $55,469 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ranson?
The average cost of solar panels in Ranson is about $13,200 for a 5-kW system and $26,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Ranson?
On average, solar panels can last 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 level 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.