Solar power in West Virginia

The cost of solar has dropped by 54% nationwide over the last five years. Price declines make it an ideal time to invest in solar panels in West Virginia, where the average solar system costs about $33,900. Going solar in West Virginia is a great way to save on your energy bills while benefiting the environment.

As the second largest coal producer after Wyoming, West Virginia has traditionally relied on coal to provide cheap electricity to its residents. Now coal is a more expensive commodity to generate electricity than renewable energy resources like solar and wind. Industry experts expect solar power to grow significantly in West Virginia in the coming years.

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), West Virginia ranked 48th in the U.S. with31 megawatts (MW) of solar installed thus far. Over the next five years, West Virginia is expected to install 649 megawatts (MW) of solar to power thousands of homes. Total solar investment in the state to date amounts to $89 million. However, just .06% of the state’s overall energy needs come from solar contributions.

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West Virginia solar panel cost

The cost of solar panels varies depending on the location and size of your home. Panel costs are measured by watt, and system sizes are shown in kilowatts (kW). Each kW equals 1,000 watts. According to Find Energy, the cost of solar in West Virginia is $3.39 per watt, and the typical homeowner requires a 10-kW system. The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory data shows that the average price per watt in the U.S. is $3.67.

The average U.S. residential solar system size is 8.6 kilowatts (kW), which costs an average of $31,558 before incentives. Here’s how the average price for solar in the U.S. compares to West Virginia’s averages:

With the savings from your energy bills, it could take about 13 years to recover the cost of your West Virginia solar panel installation. During your solar system’s 25–30-year lifespan, you could save thousands on energy bills. The total savings do not account for rising electricity rates, which increase your savings potential.

Average cost of solar panels in West Virginia

*Estimated panel count is based on the average panel size ranging from 300 to 400 watts.

Bear in mind that there is no uniform cost for solar panels. The solar system size you need in West Virginia will be tailored to your needs. Your energy consumption habits, the type and size of solar panels used, exposure to sunlight, rooftop configuration, energy goals, and budget will determine the total cost of your solar system. A solar installer will account for these factors to help you maximize your energy production and cost savings. 

The best West Virginia solar panel incentives or rebates

Incentives and rebates offset the upfront cost of solar panels. West Virginia residents are eligible for the federal tax credit, which provides a 30% credit of the total cost of your solar panels. West Virginia does not have any state-level solar credits or incentives. 

The following table details the Residential Clean Energy Credit and net metering.

Solar incentives in Morgantown

The Morgantown Solar Cooperative program offers discounts for residential solar through bulk purchases. The program is not currently accepting new applicants, but you can inquire about the next opportunity on the city’s website.

Why choose West Virginia solar power?

Powering your home with solar energy provides many benefits, including lower electricity costs, gaining energy independence, and lowering your carbon footprint.

Lower energy costs

Investing in solar panels is a great way to achieve low energy costs because you use energy from the sun rather than just paying for energy from the electricity grid. Solar panels can protect you from potential price spikes during high-demand periods. You can also sell excess energy to the power grid in exchange for energy bill credits with net metering. 

Greater energy independence

Solar panels strengthen your energy independence because you no longer entirely rely on the electricity grid for power. If the grid experiences disruptions or a power outage, your solar panels still provide energy to your home. Adding a solar battery to your system can make your home more self-reliant by storing excess energy for later use.

Go green

Solar panels are an excellent opportunity to reduce your home’s carbon footprint because solar energy doesn’t release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Reducing carbon dioxide levels in the air is an effective way to combat climate change. 

Should I buy or lease my solar panels?

There are many ways to pay for solar panels in West Virginia. Every payment method has benefits and drawbacks depending on your budget. A cash purchase comes with high upfront costs but provides the most significant return on investment over time. Solar loans, leases, and power purchase agreements (PPA) have lower upfront costs but do not result in the highest savings. 

While solar leases and PPAs and PPAs are similar, in a PPA, you pay a fixed price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy used, whereas, in a solar lease, you pay a fixed monthly fee for the solar panels. Explore the difference between payment options in the following table. 

West Virginia solar panel companies

Options for solar companies in West Virginia are limited. SaveOnEnergy can connect you with a solar installer in your area. Our renewable energy resources can help you make an informed decision. Explore your options by calling the number on your screen or filling out the solar estimator on this page to calculate your savings. 

New to solar? Get up to speed with the SaveOnEnergy solar hub. Learn more about the solar industry, such as:

• Solar buying guide
• Best solar battery
• Solar tax credit explained

How does West Virginia solar save you money?

Going solar can significantly lower or even eliminate your electricity bills, leading to long-term savings. You can save money for decades to come. 

• Decreased electricity bills. When you install a solar system, you produce your electricity using the power of the sun. This enables you to offset a significant portion of your electricity usage, resulting in lower or potentially no utility bills.
• Net metering. West Virginia offers net metering programs that allow solar system owners to receive credits for excess electricity sent back to the grid. These credits can offset future electricity bills, providing even more savings.
• Long-term savings. Reputable solar panel manufacturers typically guarantee that their products will maintain at least 80% of their original output after 25 years. Investing in solar can stabilize electricity costs and reduce dependence on fluctuating utility rates.

What to look for in a solar contractor

When selecting a solar installer, consider the following factors:

• Experience: Opt for a company with a proven record of successful solar installations. 
• Licensing and certification. Inquire about the licenses and certifications required by your state or local governments like the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). 
• Customer reviews and references. Read online customer reviews and ask an installer for references from previous customers. This will help you gauge the company’s reputation, customer satisfaction, and the quality of their work. Additionally, check for any lawsuits against the company. 
• Quality products. Ask about the brands and types of solar panels, inverters, and other components the installer uses. Search for reputable manufacturers with reliable warranties and proven performance ratings. A trustworthy contractor will be transparent about the products they install and explain the reasoning behind their choices.
• Warranty. Inquire about the warranties provided for both the installation services and the equipment. A reliable installer should offer warranties that cover the workmanship and equipment performance. Some contractors may also provide post-installation services like maintenance and monitoring for an additional cost.
• Customer support. Consider the level of customer support offered by the contractor. You may need assistance during and after the installation process. Look for responsiveness to customer complaints and issues before finalizing your decision.

Beware of free West Virginia solar panel scams

Free solar panels are often advertised as a way for homeowners to save money on energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint. Be wary of any offers that seem too good to be true. Companies offering free solar panels often hide fees and additional costs in the fine print of their contracts. 

Solar panels are made of expensive raw materials, such as lithium and silicon, and require advanced manufacturing and complicated installation. Therefore, they come with high manufacturing and installation costs. Additional costs include marketing, permitting, interconnection, and other fees.

While a solar company may cover the initial cost of the solar panel installation, you would ultimately be responsible for paying for the system through one of the financing methods mentioned on this page. That is why it’s important to review the details and costs outlined in the solar agreement before signing it. Free solar panels in West Virginia do not truly exist.

Important solar installation factors to consider

Before you decide to install solar panels, consider the following: 

• Roof angle and condition. The Department of Energy advises south-facing roofs angled between 15 and 40 degrees for the highest efficiency. If your roof is old or in poor condition, you may need to replace it before installing solar. 
• Location. Solar panels work best with direct sunlight. Consider removing any obstructions shading your roof.
• HOA or neighborhood rules. Homeowners associations (HOAs) in West Virginia cannot ban solar panels, but there may be rules for size and placement. Review your HOA or other neighborhood organization guidelines and contact your installer about potential restrictions.