Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Charleston, WV (2023 Update)
- South Charleston Solar Installation Cost: $20,613
- 25-Year Savings: $28,276
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Charleston
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in South Charleston.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in South Charleston generally cost around 2.64. Using this figure, a typical 11.2-kW system would cost about $20,605 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in South Charleston depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in South Charleston see about $17,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in South Charleston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,450 |
| 3 years | $-20,124 |
| 5 years | $-19,798 |
| 7 years | $-19,472 |
| 9 years | $-19,147 |
| 11 years | $-18,821 |
| 13 years | $-18,495 |
| 15 years | $-18,169 |
| 17 years | $-17,843 |
| 19 years | $-17,517 |
| 21 years | $-17,191 |
| 23 years | $-16,865 |
| 25 years | $-16,539 |
Top Solar Installers in South Charleston
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Another upside of going with a solar company is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in South Charleston, the EcoWatch team has put together 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 South Charleston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Charleston
Even though the average cost of a solar system in South Charleston is $20,605, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few 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 consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,640 per kilowatt in South Charleston. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the South Charleston average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in South Charleston, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in South Charleston is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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
The company that does your solar system 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:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which brand 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 offerings 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 good reviews from past customers.
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 real cost will depend on stuff like the kind 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 attractive choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $876.59 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.