Solar Panel Cost Guide in Elkins, WV (2025 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.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Elkins, most homeowners require a 11.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $26,914, or $38,487 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Elkins based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Elkins can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
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
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Another good thing about going with a top solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
See all of the solar companies in Elkins
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Elkins
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Elkins: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss 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 electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,390 per kilowatt in Elkins.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Elkins provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Elkins homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can affect the cost. Elkins’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $10,617 | 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
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
EcoWatch's Elkins, WV Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Elkins?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Elkins, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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.