West Virginia Solar Information
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#43West Virginia ranks #43 in the USA for savings from installing solar panels
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5281.41 kWhAnnual AC energy output of a 4 kW solar system installed in West Virginia
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4.58 kWhSolar Radiation (kWh / m2 / day)
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10 ¢ /kWhThe cost of electricity today in Monongahela Power Co
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21 ¢ /kWhIf you don't go solar. The forecast average utility price over the next 25 years
West Virginia Solar Facts
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$1.93Average cost of a 4kw solar power system in 2019.
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11 yearsAverage system payback period.
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$38,118.85Average lifetime savings.
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6 ¢ /kWhLevelized cost of solar energy.
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7 kWRecommended system size.
- Solar Power System Cost in West Virginia
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$1.93 per watt
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$12,831.44 total
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11 years
Solar power in West Virginia on rooftops can provide 23% of all electricity used in West Virginia from 6,300 MW of solar panels, but West Virginia will be the last state in the United States to reach grid parity - the point where solar panels are cheaper than grid electricity - without incentives, due to the low cost of electricity - about $0.062/kWh. The point where grid parity is reached is a product of the average insolation and the average cost of electricity. At $0.062/kWh and 4.3 sun-hours/day, solar panels would need to come down to ~$1,850/kW installed to achieve grid parity. The first state in the US to achieve grid parity was Hawaii. Solar power's favorable carbon footprint compared to fossil fuels is a major motivation for expanding renewable energy in the state, especially when compared to coal to generate electrical power.
Net metering is available continuously to residential consumers generating up to 25 kW and up to 2 MW for industrial users but is limited to 3% of peak demand the previous year. In addition to the 30% federal tax credit, West Virginia has a 30% tax credit, but unlike the federal credit, is limited to $2,000. A $7,000 system can therefore be installed for $2,900.
In 2012 the largest solar array in West Virginia was the 407 kW array installed on a carport at the American Public University System financial center in Charles Town, which includes 15 charging stations for electric cars.
When you install a solar system, 26% of your project expenses apply toward a credit to offset any taxes you owe that year. This federal tax credit is a major incentive to go solar, but it is going to be phased out by 2024.
To be eligible to claim this credit, you must owe federal taxes.
System size
- Mini
- Small
- Medium
- Large
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18 x 370 wattsolar panels - +
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18 x 300 wattmicroinverter - +
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2 x 3 800 wattinverter
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$12,831.44Estimated system cost
Excludes 26% Federal Tax Credit.
This price does not include the installation cost. -
11 yearsAverage system payback period
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$38,118.85Estimated utility savings
Example of 4 kW system calculation in Minnesota for electricity bill $100
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10 ¢ /kWhThe cost of electricity today in Monongahela Power Co
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21 ¢ /kWhIf you don't get solar. The forecast average utility price over the next 25 years
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6 ¢ /kWhlevelized cost of solar energy