Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oak Hill, WV (2024 Update)
- Oak Hill Solar Installation Cost: $26,388
- 25-Year Savings: $28,339
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oak Hill
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Oak Hill.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Oak Hill, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Oak Hill is around 11.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $26,388 for a solar installation, or $37,735 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Oak Hill can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Oak Hill
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,762 |
| 3 years | $-21,511 |
| 5 years | $-18,259 |
| 7 years | $-15,008 |
| 9 years | $-11,757 |
| 11 years | $-8,505 |
| 13 years | $-5,254 |
| 15 years | $-2,003 |
| 17 years | $1,249 |
| 19 years | $4,500 |
| 21 years | $7,751 |
| 23 years | $11,003 |
| 25 years | $14,254 |
Top Solar Installers in Oak Hill
When going solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since handling can be a time-consuming project. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Oak Hill:
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 Oak Hill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oak Hill
For many Oak Hill homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Oak Hill, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably 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 adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,390 per kilowatt in Oak Hill.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency 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
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Oak Hill homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. 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
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Oak Hill, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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 | $11,571 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.46 | $19,364 | $15,808 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.39 | $23,730 | $20,234 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.32 | $27,906 | $24,851 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.25 | $31,893 | $29,657 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.19 | $35,690 | $34,653 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.12 | $39,297 | $39,839 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.05 | $42,714 | $45,215 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
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 Oak Hill, WV Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Oak Hill?
The average cost of solar panels in Oak Hill 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Oak Hill have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.