Solar production in West Virginia is modest, but if you live in a mountain state, it can help offset rising utility bills.
Although the state ranks 48th in terms of installed solar power capacity and derives a small portion of its power from solar power, according to the Solar Energy Manufacturers Association, solar power can offer more affordable and stable electricity prices.
Electricity prices in West Virginia have risen steadily over the years. My Power, one of the state's largest electric utilities, last fall raised its rates for the average residential user in West Virginia by $5.50 a month, with a second increase expected in 2024.
As mountain state utilities increase their energy bills, your savings on solar panels can be substantial. The average price of electricity in West Virginia is $136.02. By going solar, you can significantly reduce or eliminate your electricity bill. Here's what you need to know if you're considering solar in West Virginia.
The cost of solar panels in West Virginia
West Virginia lags far behind other states in solar production, making it difficult to find statewide cost data. Here's a look at national average prices, based on the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Tracking the Sun report, to give West Virginians an idea of what to expect.
Average cost of solar panels in the US
| | Installation power (kW) | price per watt | Fixed costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| WE | 8.6 | $3.67 | $31,558 |
Solar Energy Financing Options in West Virginia
There are several ways to finance solar panels in West Virginia . You can buy solar panels outright or finance them with a solar loan. You can also enter into a solar lease agreement or a power purchase agreement if you cannot afford the panels. However, in the long run, owning a solar system can be more profitable. The average payback period for solar panels , the time it takes to recover initial investment costs, is six to ten years when a solar system is purchased.
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Incentives or rebates for solar panels in West Virginia
Federal and state subsidy programs can help reduce the cost of solar energy by providing tax credits, rebates and other cost reduction measures.
The table below shows some of the solar benefits available to West Virginians.
| To plan | Description |
|---|---|
| net size | West Virginia's clean metering policy allows solar system owners to export excess generation to the grid and earn credits on their utility bills. Consumers with meters receive credits equal to the full retail cost of electricity tariffs. |
| solar energy rights laws | West Virginia's solar rights laws allow you to install solar panels on your property without being banned by the homeowners association. Homeowners associations can further limit the size and location of solar panels. |
| federal tax credit | The most important incentive for West Virginians interested in solar is the Federal Clean Energy Housing Credit, which was extended and expanded under the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act. You can deduct 30% of the cost of the solar system from federal taxes. The clean energy loan is valid until 2032. It drops to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034, ending in 2035. |
Solar panel company in West Virginia
The Solar Manufacturers Association (PDF) has 20 solar companies in West Virginia, including eight installers. Here are five photovoltaic companies worth considering, based on our research and ranking of the nation's top PV companies .
Elysian Solar Power
This Pennsylvania company also serves West Virginia. Elysium Solar Energy, a full-service solar installation company, offers solar panels and batteries for residential and commercial customers. Elysium Solar offers a 25 year product and labor warranty.
Sunny mountain view
Mountain View Solar installs solar panels and batteries for residential, commercial and non-commercial customers in West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. Mountain View Solar installs modules from SMA, Silfab and inverters from SolarEdge Technologies. The company helps customers find solar financing when they can't afford the cash. Unlike most competitors who offer longer warranties, Mountain View Solar only offers a one year labor warranty. However, its customers receive a 25-year performance warranty on solar panels and a 12-year warranty on inverters. The company does not offer solar leasing or electricity purchase contracts.
the cry of the sun
Solar Holler, based in West Virginia, provides solar panels, batteries and energy monitoring services to residential and commercial customers. Solar Holler offers its customers a 25-year product warranty, a 10-year workmanship warranty and a five-year roof penetration warranty. For customers who cannot afford a solar system in cash, the company offers low interest financing with no upfront costs. Solar Holler does not currently offer solar leases or electricity purchases.
sunny sunny
SunPower installs solar panels through a network of SunPower certified installers. SunPower was named our top pick for national PV companies because of its highest efficiency of nearly 22.8%, high efficiency batteries and manufacturing warranties. SunPower offers some of the best warranties available, including a 25 year product, performance and labor warranty. If you can't afford solar in cash, the company offers solar financing, leasing and power purchase agreements.
light yellow
Located in eight states, including West Virginia and Ohio, YellowLite provides solar installation, repair, maintenance, repair and monitoring. While YellowLite offers a 10-year labor warranty, its solar systems and components are not covered by a product or performance warranty.
Installation factors to consider
Solar power is an attractive alternative to fluctuating electricity rates, but it may not be for everyone. Here are some factors to consider before investing in solar panels.
Roof: The slope of the roof can affect the overall cost of solar energy. The US Department of Energy estimates that an angle between 15 and 40 degrees is ideal for solar panel efficiency. When buying from solar suppliers, be sure to choose an experienced installer to help you determine if your roof is suitable for panels.
Money vs. Time: Whether it's a loan, a power purchase agreement or a lease, it's important to determine how long you'll be living in your home before switching to solar. The typical amortization period for photovoltaic systems is six to nine years, lease agreements and power purchase agreements often have a longer term. If you don't live long enough to see the financial benefits, investing in solar energy may not make sense if you plan to move in a few years.
Insurance: Many insurance companies cover solar power systems. Confirm coverage with your insurance agent and be sure to include your system in your homeowner's insurance policy after solar panels are installed.
Rent or buy your house: Installing solar panels on the roof is difficult if you rent a house, as you need the landlord's permission. Buying or financing solar panels on a rental property may not be a good idea if you have to move in a few years. The best way for renters to switch to solar is to join a community solar program in case the West Virginia legislature passes a law that now needs approval.
West Virginia Solar FAQs
What are the economic benefits of solar energy?
A solar power system can reduce or even eliminate your electricity bill and protect you from rising electricity rates. A federal tax credit can significantly reduce the high initial cost of installing solar panels. In addition, West Virginia's net metering policy reduces energy costs by offsetting your electricity bill when you send excess electricity generation back to the grid.
Do solar panels work during a power outage?
No, in most cases. Most solar systems are grid-tied, allowing homeowners to use grid power in the evenings or on cloudy days. Grid-connected solar panels automatically stop generating electricity when the power goes out, allowing utility workers to work without suffering from the electricity from the solar panels. However, some companies offer battery-backed inverters that, in the event of a failure, operate autonomously and continue to provide power from the solar system.
How do solar panels work?
Most solar systems do not have standalone batteries. However, energy storage systems are becoming increasingly attractive to solar owners who want to use them during blackouts or during peak times when electricity from the grid is more expensive. Some West Virginia utilities, such as B. Dominion Energy, offer pay-as-you-go billing plans based on the time of day you use electricity. The battery stores excess solar energy from the panels during the day. The charging rate of the battery depends on the amount of excess energy generated.
