Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Albans, WV (2024 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 average cost of solar panels in St. Albans is 3 per watt.Since a 11.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in St. Albans, the average price of going solar will be about $26,469 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.Even with the significant initial cost, the average St. Albans homeowner can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in St. Albans, you can 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
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Another advantage of working with a solar company is that they can help you maximize your ROI by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 St. Albans
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Albans
While the average cost of a solar system in St. Albans is $26,469, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,390.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for St. Albans homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can affect how much you pay. St. Albans’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut 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 vehicle 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 | $11,490 | 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
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 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 certain factors such as the model 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 attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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.
Does St. Albans have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
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 are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.
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.