Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Charleston, WV (Mar 2023)
- South Charleston Solar Installation Cost: $20,605
- 25-Year Savings: $28,284
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Charleston
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in South Charleston.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in South Charleston it's 2.64 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 11.2-kW system would cost about $20,605 before the 30% 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 what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in South Charleston for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in South Charleston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,650 |
| 3 years | $-14,739 |
| 5 years | $-10,827 |
| 7 years | $-6,916 |
| 9 years | $-3,005 |
| 11 years | $906 |
| 13 years | $4,817 |
| 15 years | $8,728 |
| 17 years | $12,639 |
| 19 years | $16,550 |
| 21 years | $20,462 |
| 23 years | $24,373 |
| 25 years | $28,284 |
Top Solar Installers in South Charleston
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy needs, but working with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 South Charleston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Charleston
There are several criteria that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,640 per kilowatt in South Charleston. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think 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 researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panels can affect how much it costs. South Charleston's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $14,766 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.69 | $15,080 | $19,984 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.64 | $18,480 | $25,349 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.59 | $21,732 | $30,863 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.53 | $24,837 | $36,524 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.48 | $27,794 | $42,333 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.43 | $30,603 | $48,290 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.38 | $33,264 | $54,395 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- 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 substantial role in the company you choose.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 South Charleston, WV Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in South Charleston?
The average cost of solar panels in South Charleston is about $13,200 for a 5-kW system and $26,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in South Charleston?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in South Charleston, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in South Charleston?
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 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.