Solar Panel Cost Guide in Weirton, WV (2023 Update)
- Weirton Solar Installation Cost: $21,272
- 25-Year Savings: $26,788
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Weirton
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Weirton.
In Weirton, solar panels cost about 2.64 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Weirton is around 11.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $21,270 for a solar installation, or $30,416 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Weirton can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Weirton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,843 |
| 3 years | $-16,984 |
| 5 years | $-14,125 |
| 7 years | $-11,266 |
| 9 years | $-8,407 |
| 11 years | $-5,548 |
| 13 years | $-2,689 |
| 15 years | $170 |
| 17 years | $3,029 |
| 19 years | $5,888 |
| 21 years | $8,747 |
| 23 years | $11,606 |
| 25 years | $14,464 |
Top Solar Installers in Weirton
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to hire a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 Weirton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Weirton
There are several factors that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,640. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Weirton, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Weirton, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to 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 interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
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.