Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairmont, WV (2024 Update)
- Fairmont Solar Installation Cost: $27,274
- 25-Year Savings: $8,462
- Payback Period: 14.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fairmont
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Fairmont.
In Fairmont, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Because a 11.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Fairmont, the average price of going solar will be about $27,274 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Fairmont depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $16,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Fairmont for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Fairmont
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,845 |
| 3 years | $-22,986 |
| 5 years | $-20,127 |
| 7 years | $-17,268 |
| 9 years | $-14,409 |
| 11 years | $-11,550 |
| 13 years | $-8,691 |
| 15 years | $-5,832 |
| 17 years | $-2,973 |
| 19 years | $-115 |
| 21 years | $2,744 |
| 23 years | $5,603 |
| 25 years | $8,462 |
Top Solar Installers in Fairmont
Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Fairmont, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Fairmont
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairmont
For many Fairmont homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fairmont, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,390.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Fairmont, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Fairmont homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger 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 sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Fairmont, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $9,316 | 15.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.46 | $19,364 | $12,801 | 15.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.39 | $23,730 | $16,476 | 14.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.32 | $27,906 | $20,341 | 14.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.25 | $31,893 | $24,395 | 14.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.19 | $35,690 | $28,640 | 13.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.12 | $39,297 | $33,074 | 13.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.05 | $42,714 | $37,698 | 13.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Fairmont, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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 Fairmont, WV Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fairmont?
The average cost of solar panels in Fairmont is about $16,950 for a 5-kW system and $33,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Fairmont?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Fairmont. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
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 decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.