How To Pick a Solar Company in West Virginia and Save Money?
1. Legal Incentives: Based on state laws, West Virginia offers various tax credits to solar users. Leverage these incentives to maximize your savings.
2. Regulatory Environment: WV's "Solar Freedom Bill" facilitates permission for solar projects. It's a green signal for potential solar adopters.
3. Efficiency Metrics: Make an informed decision by evaluating solar conversion efficiency. Data reveals conversion rates could reach up to 22% in contemporary panels.
4. Solar Radiance: In West Virginia, solar irradiance is ~4.5-5 kWh/m2/day. Consider it when choosing your solar array.
5. Cost Consideration: The cost per watt in WV is approximately $2.86 to $3.90. Choose a provider offering competitive rates.
6. State Climate: Favoring an average of 210 sunny days annually, WV creates a conducive environment for solar panel installation.
7. Net Metering Policy: West Virginia has enacted net metering, which allows surplus power sales back to the grid.
8. Local Reputation: Company credibility is paramount. Several local WV companies have a customer satisfaction rate of over 90%.
9. Installation Quality: Insist on durable installations. Solar panel lifespans are reported to be 25 years or longer.
10. Certifications: West Virginia mandates several state and federal solar certifications. Check if the company holds these accreditations.
How Much Electricity Solar Panels Generate In West Virginia?
Data showcases West Virginia's solar potential is approximately 4.7 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per square meter per day. With a 5kW solar system, you can harness around 600kWh monthly. That's a noteworthy energy pool! West Virginia's sunshine varies, though. Summer gives you about 7 peak sun hours daily, while winter drops to 3.5. Seasonality impacts your solar harness. Assume January's dreary days. Your 5kW system dips to approximately 350kWh. In sunny July, it skyrockets up to 875kWh! Also, remember regional climate variances. Higher elevations like Spruce Knob may experience more cloud cover, thus lower solar output. But overall, West Virginia's solar installations truly stand to provide substantial annual energy on a consistent basis. Solar energy in the Mountain State isn't just viable; it's valuable! Immediately invest and let that West Virginia sunshine work its magic and keep your energy bills low. Harness the power of the sun like never before!
Find best solar installers in West Virginia
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1931 S High St, Harrisonburg VA, 22801 84.5 mi -
1890 S Main St, Harrisonburg VA, 22801 85.5 mi
Average Cost of Solar Installation in West Virginia by System Size
| System size | Cash purchase (After tax credit) | Financed purchase (After tax credit) |
|---|---|---|
| 4kW | $10,852 | $11,107 |
| 5kW | $13,478 | $13,836 |
| 6kW | $15,780 | $16,219 |
| 7kW | $18,312 | $18,823 |
| 8kW | $20,896 | $21,441 |
| 9kW | $22,806 | $23,395 |
| 10kW | $24,980 | $25,619 |
What To Look For in a Solar Installer?
1. Consider their certifications: Due to laws in West Virginia, all solar companies must possess NABCEP certification.
2. Check their local experience: With the state's unique climatic condition, local installers already acquainted with West Virginia’s 58 inches average yearly rainfall can provide efficient solutions.
3. Assess their partnerships: Companies collaborating with renowned solar panel manufacturers ensure high-quality production.
4. Examine their customer service: A good installer will provide comprehensive support, essential due to legal complexities in West Virginia.
5. Scrutinize warranty details: WV law requires the solar industry to offer at least a 5-year warranty to secure your investment.
6. Weigh financing options: In West Virginia, solar tax credits yield a 22% deduction on installation costs; ensure the company capitalizes on it.
7. Review past installations: It's necessary to check their proven track record.
8. Scrutinize their readiness to navigate West Virginia’s net metering law: Knowledge of how utilities provide credit for excess energy production is vital.
9. Inquire on Value-Added Services: Services such as system monitoring, regular clean-ups, and maintenance play an important role in system longevity.
10. Seek reviews and references: With 79% of the total consumers trusting online reviews, check their testimonials.
11. Ensure understanding the state's solar access laws: The installer should be well-versed in West Virginia's easement laws and Homeowners Association (HOA) rules.
Is It Worth Investing in Solar in West Virginia?
In West Virginia, clean energy transition is gaining traction. The Mountain State is seizing solar's potential, showing strong growth. Data reveals a promising surge in solar installation, a 72% increase in installed solar capacity in 2019.
The sun-soaked climate is an untapped asset. West Virginia receives an average of 4.7 peak sun-hours daily, a significant potential for solar energy generation. State policies also favor renewable investments. West Virginia's net metering policy allows residential solar owners to sell excess energy back, monetizing sun's power.
Economic factors further fortify the argument. Solar panel costs have plunged by 38% up to 2020. Plus, federal government's 26% tax credits offer potential investors an awarding return.
However, stringent state policies can curb this progress. West Virginia's restrictive stance on Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) hampers private sector involvement. Per Capita, West Virginia lags behind, ranking 46th in solar capacity nationwide.
Indeed, West Virginia boasts considerable potential for solar. Steadfast regulatory support, increasing solar efficiency, and decreasing costs pose attractive prospects. Yet, a cautious approach is necessary considering delicate regulatory landscape.
How Solar-Friendly Is West Virginia?
The answer is, not quite. The state's regulatory framework needs a swift overhaul. West Virginia languishes at a dismal 46th rank in Solar Power Rocks’ 2021 ratings. The state law does not mandate utilities to source energy from renewable sources. Indeed, the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), a key driver for solar in many states, is non-existent in WV. The state law even hampers Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), a boon for businesses aiming to go solar. Moreover, the state's climate isn't a major deterrent. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) data illustrates the state averages 4.5 hours of sunshine daily, very much in line with the national average. But only 0.02% of West Virginia's electricity comes from solar, a truly minuscule figure argued by U.S. EIA. The state, however, has enormous potential with an average solar panel payback time of only 10 years. Thus, it's evident the issue isn't with the sun, but the state's take on solar. West Virginia has potential, but needs to adopt a solar-friendly legislation to change its gloomy trajectory.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the most important factors to consider in West Virginia State?
First, calculate your current energy consumption. Review your annual energy needs. Next, assess your roof's solar potential. Sun exposure is key! Verify your home's compatibility with solar installation. Choose between rooftop or ground-mounted panels. Understand your solar financing options. Check incentives and rebates, West Virginia offers many. Analyze potential savings alongside initial costs. Vet multiple solar installers by checking reviews. Prioritize companies with proven track records. Lastly, consider your environmental impact. Going solar is a green choice!
- How do I find the most affordable solar installer in West Virginia State?
First, perform comprehensive market research. Analyze numerous companies' offerings and scrutinize their pricing structures. Use price comparison websites to gauge affordability. Don't neglect to examine customer reviews and ratings which provide impartial insights. Discounts or promotional offers are also worth evaluating. Opt for multiple quotations from different installers. Always take into consideration the quality of equipment and warranty coverage offered. Remember, the cheapest service is not always the best. Therefore, make sure you are balancing affordability with quality and service reliability.
- Which companies did we not choose for the best in West Virginia State?
Our ranking strictly abides by customer satisfaction and quality service. Some firms didn't make the cut. Not every company ticked the required boxes. We focus on proven customer loyalty and advanced tech use. If a company lacks a strong track record, it's out. We also consider fair pricing and skilled workmanship. Those underrated were trimmed from the list. Essentially, not making the list isn't a complete write-off. Our ranking promotes competition and improves the solar market. Take it as motivation for excluded companies to level up. A top rank is always open for companies zealous for solar excellence.
