Solar Panel Cost Guide in Martinsburg, WV (2024 Update)
- Martinsburg Solar Installation Cost: $25,838
- 25-Year Savings: $27,233
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Martinsburg
We go over average solar pricing in Martinsburg.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Martinsburg typically cost about 3.Since a 10.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Martinsburg, the average price of going solar will be about $25,838 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
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 depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Martinsburg that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Martinsburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,409 |
| 3 years | $-21,550 |
| 5 years | $-18,691 |
| 7 years | $-15,832 |
| 9 years | $-12,973 |
| 11 years | $-10,114 |
| 13 years | $-7,255 |
| 15 years | $-4,397 |
| 17 years | $-1,538 |
| 19 years | $1,321 |
| 21 years | $4,180 |
| 23 years | $7,039 |
| 25 years | $9,898 |
Top Solar Installers in Martinsburg
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Martinsburg, therefore optimizing your ROI.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Martinsburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Martinsburg
The cost of installing a solar system in Martinsburg can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Martinsburg homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Martinsburg homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes 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 | $11,287 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.46 | $19,364 | $15,429 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.39 | $23,730 | $19,761 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.32 | $27,906 | $24,282 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.25 | $31,893 | $28,994 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.19 | $35,690 | $33,895 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.12 | $39,297 | $38,986 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.05 | $42,714 | $44,267 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Martinsburg, 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like to get plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Martinsburg, WV Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Martinsburg?
The average cost of solar panels in Martinsburg 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Martinsburg?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Martinsburg, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Martinsburg is currently $275,974, so you could be looking at a value of about $11,315 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Martinsburg is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Martinsburg?
On average, solar panels can last 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.