Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Albans, WV (2023 Update)
- St. Albans 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 St. Albans
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in St. Albans.
The average cost of a solar panel system in St. Albans is 2.64 per watt. The average solar panel system size in St. Albans is around 11.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,605 for a solar installation, or $29,465 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs may differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in St. Albans see about $17,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in St. Albans
| 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 St. Albans
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since handling can be a difficult project. Another great thing about choosing a top solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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
For many St. Albans homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in St. Albans, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,640 per kilowatt in St. Albans. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment consists of more than 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 into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in St. Albans to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can influence the cost. St. Albans' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see 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 specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. 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 ask for their list of options before making your decision.
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?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,200 for a 5-kW system and $26,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in St. Albans?
You can't get solar panels for free in St. Albans. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
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 St. Albans, 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 St. Albans?
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.