3 Best Solar Companies in West Virginia

The Main Types of Residential Solar Systems

The first big decision you'll make when planning your solar system is what panel type to use. There are three main types to choose from, and you can decide which one is right for you based on your budget and the design of your home.

Monocrystalline

In the very hot summers of West Virginia, you'll get the best results from monocrystalline panels. Each black-hued cell has only one silicon crystal, meaning you can generate additional energy with a small array. They're the costliest of the three kinds because of their more complex manufacturing process, but you'll save more in the long run due to their higher efficiency under pressure.

Polycrystalline

Polycrystalline solar panels have dark blue cells made of multiple silicon fragments. Aside from their lower average cost, they have a less wasteful manufacturing process.

Although you can design a fairly efficient system with polycrystalline panels, it'll have a bigger physical footprint when compared to a monocrystalline array with the same capabilities.

Thin-film

Thin-film solar panels use a variety of metal alloys instead of silicon crystals. Some homeowners choose them for their light weight or ability to fit on non-rectangular roofs. Others pick them for their high heat resistance and low-light performance. Thin-film arrays are a good choice for value in more "partly sunny" areas of West Virginia. They keep their efficiency as temperatures fluctuate and work with many different roof shapes.

However, they take up more space than monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels, and you may have better-performing options if your property has high solar potential.

Solar Purchase Options

While certain terms may vary based on your contractor and panel model, you may be able to make use of these financing tools to keep solar power as affordable as possible:

• Solar leases: You can completely avoid down payments or upfront costs with a solar lease. Instead, you'll pay based on what the installer expects your panels will generate. Leases often include the cost of repairs and scheduled maintenance. If your panels don't reach their projected generation in a certain month, you could receive a partial reimbursement. However, they don't qualify for state or tax incentives and won't increase your property values. If you sell your house, the company will remove the panels unless the buyer decides to continue with the lease.
• Power purchase agreements (PPAs): With a power purchase agreement, your utility company will pay for your system upfront, then sell the power from your panels back to you. The cost per kilowatt you pay may be less than what you'd pay your utility company. Before you sign a PPA, read the terms carefully and ask about what occurs at the end of the contract. If you don't renew the agreement, transfer your system to a willing buyer, or buy the system from the contractor, they reserve the right to remove the panels.
• Financing: Solar loans work like any other financing. You'll have ownership of the system once you finish paying the loan, and since you're buying the panels, you can take advantage of tax breaks and other incentives during the payback period. While a solar loan will increase your upfront costs, you'll have better long-term savings.

Besides the price of the system, your bill will also contain the cost of your installer's labor and preliminary work done by other contractors. An application fee may be required if you want to participate in net metering.

Residential Solar Incentives and Cost Support

Those who purchase and install residential solar panels could be entitled to financial incentives or other benefits from their local government or power company, such as:

• Tax credits: Tax credits or temporary exemptions for brand new solar equipment are common in many U.S. states. Consult with your tax preparer for more detailed information on what is available and the forms you need to file. No matter what, you should file Form 5695 on your federal returns to apply for a 30% credit on the value of your solar panels.
• Rebates: Rebates are direct incentives offered by power companies or manufacturers. The application process for a rebate will vary from program to program, but usually, your contractor will have to submit plans or receipts and prove that they're have the right endorsements to work on your project. Sometimes, the contractor will receive the payment and give you a discount on their work. Other times, you'll get the money as a direct payment or a credit on your power bill.
• Net metering: Net metering is a program that utilities and counties use to add renewable energy capacity and fortify their grid. If your solar array generates more power than you actually use, you can send the excess generation to the grid in exchange for bill credits.
• Net billing: Net billing works like net metering in that your solar system will route electricity you don't use to the grid. However, rather than earning credits on your utility bills, you'll sell the power to the utility at a wholesale rate for a direct payment.

Solar Energy By the Numbers in West Virginia

Here's a brief look at the state of solar energy in West Virginia.

• Solar energy has enabled the creation of 340 jobs in West Virginia, with more added as companies grow and technology continues to improve.
• In West Virginia, the average new home solar array is rated for up to 10.4 kW and costs $27,376.
• Without solar, the average family spends about $1,770 per year on their energy bill.
• A 5 kW solar array in West Virginia has an average payback period of 12.2 years. That said, a system at that capacity would also save you $866.99 on your energy bill.
• West Virginia generates 10 MW of residential solar energy, reaching 2,660 homes and counting.

Useful Resources

Want more information on West Virginia's solar opportunities, incentives, and regulations? Visit these online pages and reference guides:

• PVWatts: Created by the United States Department of Energy, this tool allows you to enter your address and get predictions of how much energy solar panels could generate at your specific location.
• Best solar companies by city: If you're looking for tailored solar company recommendations in your area, Today's Homeowner has just what you need. We can recommend you the best companies in cities like CHARLESTON,WV, HUNTINGTON,WV, MORGANTOWN,WV, PARKERSBURG,WV and WHEELING,WV.
• DSIRE: DSIRE has tons of information on the latest local and statewide solar incentives. Search by your location, utility company, and the type of solar system you're planning to install.