Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ravenswood, WV (2024 Update)
- Ravenswood Solar Installation Cost: $26,398
- 25-Year Savings: $27,917
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ravenswood
We break down average solar pricing in Ravenswood.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Ravenswood, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Ravenswood, most homeowners require a 11.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $26,398, or $37,749 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Ravenswood depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With typical savings of about $17,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Ravenswood find going solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Ravenswood for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Ravenswood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,772 |
| 3 years | $-21,521 |
| 5 years | $-18,270 |
| 7 years | $-15,018 |
| 9 years | $-11,767 |
| 11 years | $-8,516 |
| 13 years | $-5,264 |
| 15 years | $-2,013 |
| 17 years | $1,238 |
| 19 years | $4,490 |
| 21 years | $7,741 |
| 23 years | $10,992 |
| 25 years | $14,244 |
Top Solar Installers in Ravenswood
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be hard. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Ravenswood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ravenswood
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Ravenswood: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,390. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than 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 into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Ravenswood homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Ravenswood, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $11,337 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.46 | $19,364 | $15,496 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.39 | $23,730 | $19,845 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.32 | $27,906 | $24,383 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.25 | $31,893 | $29,112 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.19 | $35,690 | $34,030 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.12 | $39,297 | $39,138 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.05 | $42,714 | $44,436 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
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 Ravenswood, WV Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ravenswood?
The average cost of solar panels in Ravenswood is about $16,950 for a 5-kW system and $33,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Ravenswood?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Ravenswood. However, you may still be able to get 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Ravenswood?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.