Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wheeling, WV (2025 Update)
- Wheeling Solar Installation Cost: $27,133
- 25-Year Savings: $27,958
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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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.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Wheeling typically cost around 3.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Wheeling, most homeowners require a 11.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $27,133, or $38,800 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you may look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Wheeling
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,704 |
| 3 years | $-22,845 |
| 5 years | $-19,986 |
| 7 years | $-17,127 |
| 9 years | $-14,268 |
| 11 years | $-11,409 |
| 13 years | $-8,550 |
| 15 years | $-5,691 |
| 17 years | $-2,832 |
| 19 years | $27 |
| 21 years | $2,886 |
| 23 years | $5,745 |
| 25 years | $8,603 |
Top Solar Installers in Wheeling
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Wheeling, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Wheeling
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wheeling
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Wheeling: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,390 per kilowatt in Wheeling.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Wheeling to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $10,951 | 14.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.46 | $19,364 | $14,981 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.39 | $23,730 | $19,201 | 13.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.32 | $27,906 | $23,611 | 13.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.25 | $31,893 | $28,210 | 13.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.19 | $35,690 | $33,000 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.12 | $39,297 | $37,979 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.05 | $42,714 | $43,148 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
EcoWatch's Wheeling, WV Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Wheeling?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Wheeling?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing 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 option if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Wheeling?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Wheeling?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had 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.