Solar Panel Cost Guide in Charles Town, WV (2024 Update)

  • Charles Town Solar Installation Cost: $25,705
  • 25-Year Savings: $28,042
  • Payback Period: 13.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Charles Town

Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Charles Town.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Charles Town is 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Charles Town, most homeowners require a 10.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $25,705, or $36,758 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Charles Town homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Charles Town, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Charles Town

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-24,276
3 years $-21,417
5 years $-18,558
7 years $-15,699
9 years $-12,840
11 years $-9,981
13 years $-7,122
15 years $-4,263
17 years $-1,404
19 years $1,455
21 years $4,314
23 years $7,173
25 years $10,031

Top Solar Installers in Charles Town

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Because solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Charles Town:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Charles Town

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Charles Town

For many Charles Town homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Charles Town, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over 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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,390 per kilowatt in Charles Town.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Charles Town, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Charles Town, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Companies that 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 decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is 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 $3.53 $14,808 $11,812 13.9 years
8 kW $3.46 $19,364 $16,130 13.6 years
10 kW $3.39 $23,730 $20,637 13.4 years
12 kW $3.32 $27,906 $25,334 13.1 years
14 kW $3.25 $31,893 $30,220 12.8 years
16 kW $3.19 $35,690 $35,297 12.6 years
18 kW $3.12 $39,297 $40,563 12.3 years
20 kW $3.05 $42,714 $46,019 12.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before making your decision.
  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar panel system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Charles Town, WV Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Charles Town?

The average cost of solar panels in Charles Town is about $16,950 for a 5-kW system and $33,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Does Charles Town have a net metering program?

The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.

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.

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