Solar Panel Cost Guide in Weirton, WV (Mar 2023)
- Weirton Solar Installation Cost: $21,270
- 25-Year Savings: $26,789
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Weirton
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Weirton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Weirton it's 2.64 per watt. The average Weirton homeowner needs a 11.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $21,270 with the federal tax credit, or $30,416 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Weirton homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Weirton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,348 |
| 3 years | $-15,503 |
| 5 years | $-11,659 |
| 7 years | $-7,814 |
| 9 years | $-3,969 |
| 11 years | $-124 |
| 13 years | $3,721 |
| 15 years | $7,565 |
| 17 years | $11,410 |
| 19 years | $15,255 |
| 21 years | $19,100 |
| 23 years | $22,944 |
| 25 years | $26,789 |
Top Solar Installers in Weirton
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
If you're looking for a solar company in Weirton, we've 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 Weirton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Weirton
There are several factors that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,640 per kilowatt in Weirton. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Weirton to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Weirton, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. 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 at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that provides 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 | $13,519 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.69 | $15,080 | $18,321 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.64 | $18,480 | $23,271 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.59 | $21,732 | $28,369 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.53 | $24,837 | $33,615 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.48 | $27,794 | $39,008 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.43 | $30,603 | $44,549 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.38 | $33,264 | $50,238 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Weirton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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 Weirton, WV Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Weirton?
The average cost of solar panels in Weirton is about $13,200 for a 5-kW system and $26,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Weirton?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Weirton?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to 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.