Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westover, WV (2024 Update)
- Westover Solar Installation Cost: $27,446
- 25-Year Savings: $26,686
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westover
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Westover.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Westover typically cost about 3.The average Westover homeowner needs a 11.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $27,446 with the federal tax credit, or $39,248 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.With typical savings of about $16,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Westover find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Westover for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Westover
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-26,016 |
| 3 years | $-23,157 |
| 5 years | $-20,298 |
| 7 years | $-17,440 |
| 9 years | $-14,581 |
| 11 years | $-11,722 |
| 13 years | $-8,863 |
| 15 years | $-6,004 |
| 17 years | $-3,145 |
| 19 years | $-286 |
| 21 years | $2,573 |
| 23 years | $5,432 |
| 25 years | $8,291 |
Top Solar Installers in Westover
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Westover
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westover
There are several criteria that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation 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.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Westover, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. Westover’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up 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 | $10,124 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.46 | $19,364 | $13,879 | 14.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.39 | $23,730 | $17,823 | 14.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.32 | $27,906 | $21,957 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.25 | $31,893 | $26,281 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.19 | $35,690 | $30,795 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.12 | $39,297 | $35,498 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.05 | $42,714 | $40,392 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Westover, WV Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Westover?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Westover?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Westover?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.