Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wheeling, WV (2023 Update)
- Wheeling Solar Installation Cost: $21,130
- 25-Year Savings: $27,958
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wheeling
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Wheeling.
In Wheeling, solar panels cost about 2.64 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 11.4-kW system would cost about $21,123 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Wheeling, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Wheeling
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,967 |
| 3 years | $-20,639 |
| 5 years | $-20,312 |
| 7 years | $-19,985 |
| 9 years | $-19,658 |
| 11 years | $-19,330 |
| 13 years | $-19,003 |
| 15 years | $-18,676 |
| 17 years | $-18,349 |
| 19 years | $-18,021 |
| 21 years | $-17,694 |
| 23 years | $-17,367 |
| 25 years | $-17,040 |
Top Solar Installers in Wheeling
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another advantage of going with a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your return of investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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 Wheeling
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wheeling
There are a number of factors that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,640. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about 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 for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Wheeling homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Wheeling, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $14,227 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.69 | $15,080 | $19,265 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.64 | $18,480 | $24,451 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.59 | $21,732 | $29,785 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.53 | $24,837 | $35,266 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.48 | $27,794 | $40,896 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.43 | $30,603 | $46,673 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.38 | $33,264 | $52,598 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Wheeling, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain 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 quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
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 Wheeling, WV Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Wheeling?
The average cost of solar panels in Wheeling 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 generally 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.