Solar Panel Cost Guide in Elkins, WV (2024 Update)
- Elkins Solar Installation Cost: $26,914
- 25-Year Savings: $27,100
- Payback Period: 14.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Elkins
We go over average solar pricing in Elkins.
In Elkins, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Elkins homeowner needs a 11.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $26,914 with the federal tax credit, or $38,487 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Even with the large initial cost, the average Elkins homeowner can save about $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Elkins that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Elkins
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,484 |
| 3 years | $-22,625 |
| 5 years | $-19,766 |
| 7 years | $-16,907 |
| 9 years | $-14,048 |
| 11 years | $-11,190 |
| 13 years | $-8,331 |
| 15 years | $-5,472 |
| 17 years | $-2,613 |
| 19 years | $246 |
| 21 years | $3,105 |
| 23 years | $5,964 |
| 25 years | $8,823 |
Top Solar Installers in Elkins
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and expertise. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Elkins
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Elkins
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Elkins is $26,914, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,390. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Elkins, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining your pricing. Elkins’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Elkins are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $10,617 | 14.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.46 | $19,364 | $14,536 | 14.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.39 | $23,730 | $18,644 | 14.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.32 | $27,906 | $22,943 | 13.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.25 | $31,893 | $27,431 | 13.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.19 | $35,690 | $32,109 | 13.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.12 | $39,297 | $36,977 | 12.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.05 | $42,714 | $42,035 | 12.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Elkins, WV Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Elkins?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located 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 $847.49 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Elkins?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having 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.
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.