Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wheeling, WV (Mar 2023)
- Wheeling Solar Installation Cost: $21,123
- 25-Year Savings: $27,966
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wheeling
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Wheeling.
The average cost of a solar system in Wheeling is 2.64 per watt. The average Wheeling homeowner needs a 11.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $21,123 with the federal tax credit, or $30,206 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Wheeling homeowner can save around $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Wheeling
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,159 |
| 3 years | $-15,232 |
| 5 years | $-11,305 |
| 7 years | $-7,378 |
| 9 years | $-3,451 |
| 11 years | $476 |
| 13 years | $4,403 |
| 15 years | $8,330 |
| 17 years | $12,257 |
| 19 years | $16,184 |
| 21 years | $20,111 |
| 23 years | $24,039 |
| 25 years | $27,966 |
Top Solar Installers in Wheeling
When going solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Another perk of going with a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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
For many Wheeling homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Wheeling, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Wheeling, 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 usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,640 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Wheeling homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Wheeling, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $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
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to get plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Wheeling?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,200 for a 5-kW system and $26,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Wheeling?
You can't get solar panels for free in Wheeling. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $858.62 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.