Solar Panel Cost Guide in Weston, WV (2024 Update)
- Weston Solar Installation Cost: $27,151
- 25-Year Savings: $25,068
- Payback Period: 14.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Weston
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Weston.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Weston is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Weston is around 11.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $27,151 for a solar installation, or $38,826 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Weston homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Weston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,721 |
| 3 years | $-22,862 |
| 5 years | $-20,003 |
| 7 years | $-17,144 |
| 9 years | $-14,285 |
| 11 years | $-11,426 |
| 13 years | $-8,568 |
| 15 years | $-5,709 |
| 17 years | $-2,850 |
| 19 years | $9 |
| 21 years | $2,868 |
| 23 years | $5,727 |
| 25 years | $8,586 |
Top Solar Installers in Weston
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another great thing about choosing a top solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Weston, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Weston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Weston
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Weston: 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 cost of a solar panel system in Weston, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,390 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Weston homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Weston homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 | $9,426 | 15.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.46 | $19,364 | $12,948 | 15.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.39 | $23,730 | $16,659 | 14.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.32 | $27,906 | $20,561 | 14.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.25 | $31,893 | $24,652 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.19 | $35,690 | $28,933 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.12 | $39,297 | $33,404 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.05 | $42,714 | $38,065 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
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 Weston, WV Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Weston?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $16,950 for a 5-kW system and $33,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Weston?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Weston is currently $128,396, so you can expect a value of about $5,264 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Weston is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs 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.