Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Albans, WV (2025 Update)
- St. Albans Solar Installation Cost: $26,469
- 25-Year Savings: $28,276
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Albans
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in St. Albans.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in St. Albans it’s 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in St. Albans, most homeowners require a 11.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $26,469, or $37,851 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Even with the high initial cost, the average St. Albans homeowner can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in St. Albans
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,844 |
| 3 years | $-21,592 |
| 5 years | $-18,341 |
| 7 years | $-15,090 |
| 9 years | $-11,838 |
| 11 years | $-8,587 |
| 13 years | $-5,336 |
| 15 years | $-2,084 |
| 17 years | $1,167 |
| 19 years | $4,418 |
| 21 years | $7,670 |
| 23 years | $10,921 |
| 25 years | $14,172 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Albans
Installing solar panels on your own can be a challenging project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another upside of using a solar company is that they can help you optimize your ROI by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in St. Albans:
See all of the solar companies in St. Albans
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Albans
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in St. Albans: 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
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,390.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
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 St. Albans homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can impact how much it costs. St. Albans’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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within 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 | $3.53 | $14,808 | $11,490 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.46 | $19,364 | $15,700 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.39 | $23,730 | $20,099 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.32 | $27,906 | $24,689 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.25 | $31,893 | $29,468 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.19 | $35,690 | $34,437 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.12 | $39,297 | $39,596 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.05 | $42,714 | $44,945 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in St. Albans, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panels, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
EcoWatch's St. Albans, WV Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in St. Albans?
The average cost of solar panels in St. Albans is about $16,950 for a 5-kW system and $33,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in St. Albans?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home 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 savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in St. Albans?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.