Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vienna, WV (2023 Update)
- Vienna Solar Installation Cost: $20,735
- 25-Year Savings: $27,325
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vienna
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Vienna.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Vienna generally cost about 2.64. The average Vienna homeowner needs a 11.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,735 with the federal tax credit, or $29,651 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Vienna homeowner can save about $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Vienna
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,812 |
| 3 years | $-14,967 |
| 5 years | $-11,123 |
| 7 years | $-7,278 |
| 9 years | $-3,433 |
| 11 years | $412 |
| 13 years | $4,257 |
| 15 years | $8,101 |
| 17 years | $11,946 |
| 19 years | $15,791 |
| 21 years | $19,636 |
| 23 years | $23,480 |
| 25 years | $27,325 |
Top Solar Installers in Vienna
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but working with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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 Vienna
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vienna
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Vienna: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Vienna, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,640 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space 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. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Vienna to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Vienna homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Vienna is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Some companies 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 decide on the 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 | $2.75 | $11,532 | $14,168 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.69 | $15,080 | $19,187 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.64 | $18,480 | $24,353 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.59 | $21,732 | $29,667 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.53 | $24,837 | $35,129 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.48 | $27,794 | $40,739 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.43 | $30,603 | $46,497 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.38 | $33,264 | $52,402 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Even 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good 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 certified by 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 Vienna, WV Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Vienna?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.