Is Solar Power Worth It in West Virginia?

Getting a solar panel system installed to your home is one way to get your house to be the talk of the neighborhood. Whether they ever plan to get a similar installment, curiosity is almost always certain. Some questions that might be running through their heads might be, 

• “How much did this cost?”, 
• “How does solar work?”, 
• “Is it even effective in the rainy months?”. 

There is an undeniable curiosity about integrating solar energy into your West Virginia home, particularly when it comes to reducing the cost of those annoying electric bills.

Furthermore, has been making waves in the media recently by focusing on the simplicity of the installation and the chance to take advantage of the federal tax credit that WV has. There has not been a better time to think about solar options for your home than right now. 

In this blog, Shanco will guide you through the process of evaluating if getting solar in West Virginia is the right choice for you.

Exploring Solar Power in West Virginia: Key Insights on Solar Panel Usage 

We all know that for solar to be worthwhile, we will need the sun, and plenty of it! You might be thinking to yourself, “We definitely have some sunny months during the year, but do we really get that much sun?” Boy, do we have good news for you, on average, West Viriginia gets around 200 sunny days a year! This means that your most optimal months for sunlight exposure will be in the months of May-August. 

During the prime sunny months, May-August, many homeowners will be able to experience around 12-14 of complete sun exposure. The energy being produced during these months will almost be able to offset the items that consume large amounts of electricity. Some items might include your pool, air conditioning, fans, etc. 

Whenever we talk about the weather, its easy to talk about the good months. The months where the sun is shining, birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming. But what about the winter months? If you are native to West Virginia, you already know that we can have intense winters.

 One of the biggest concerns when it comes to solar is, what about the cold months? Should you switch back to gas and or rely on the traditional grid? Although West Virginia can have brutal winters, its still important to remember that we still get plenty of sunny days throughout the winter.

Another question you may have is in regards to WV, and lucky for you, they do! You should try to take advantage of these solar incentives in West Virginia if possible. Homeowners can receive a credit up to 30% of the total cost of their solar energy system installation through 2032. 

Not only will this cut down on the total initial cost, but it will also help promote sustainable energy practices. Make sure to consult your local tax professional or your state department of energy just to make sure you are qualifying with the right criteria.

How Much Direct Sunlight Should Solar Panels Get?

In order for you to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to solar, you will need to aim for approximately 6-8 hours of direct sunlight.  So, when considering solar for your home, its important to identify the location in which you will set up these panels. 

Pros and Cons of Solar in WV

The thought of solar energy always sounds like a great idea, and it is, but its important to keep in mind that even solar can potentially have some drawbacks. Here are some pros: 

• Your solar power system provides a source of clean and renewable energy. This type of energy is harnessed from the sun. in return, it provides non-harmful emissions or depletion of resources. 
• Reduced electricity bills. I mean who doesn’t like saving money? Now, this might not show up right away, but since you are harnessing power from the sunlight, homeowners can gradually offset their reliance from the traditional electric grid. This will result in substantial long-term savings on solar energy costs.
• We also encourage West Virginia homeowners to explore any available state tax credit and incentives. This will hopefully offset the upfront cost of your solar equipment, making it more accessible and more attractive to homeowners looking to spruce up their home. This will also help them transition to a renewable energy source while maximizing their financial benefits. 
• Decreasing your reliance on fossil fuels, which in return will mitigate future environmental impact.
• Low maintenance is required when it comes to having solar. With the combo of durable construction and little to no moving parts, you won’t have to do consistent upkeep with the solar panels.
• Since your house will have the neighborhood talking, you might be on the cusp of a potential increase in property value. With the rise in popularity of solar energy, homes equipped with solar panels may gain a slight advantage in the housing market. The aesthetically pleasing look of these panels will enhance the overall attractiveness and modernity of your home.

However, you could potentially find yourself with potential drawbacks:

• Even though the installation of solar panels can bring a load of positives to your home, it’s important to acknowledge the potential downside of the initial cost. The upfront investment for solar panels can be quite large, this could cause homeowners to strive away from them. However, financing the panels can create the easiest opportunity to gradually pay off the panels. 
• Furthermore, other factors like system size, location, and roof condition can have an influence on the cost of solar panels, making it essential to carefully consider your budget and financing options. However, although the initial expense is large, it’s crucial to realize that most solar energy systems pay themselves over time though energy savings and potential incentive, making them a positive investment.
• Intermittent energy production due to weather conditions that West Viginia experiences. Since solar panels will rely heavily on sunlight to generate electricity, the weather in West Virginia will need to be consistent to get the most out of them. If you are experiencing some bad weather for long periods of time, you may start to notice the decreasing amount of energy that is being produced. 

While solar technology has been advancing every year, having a backup battery system for these extended periods of sketchy weather can help ease any sort of worry. Whether it’s a backup plan of being connected to the grid, or having a solar battery just in case, it’s always important to have a plan B. 

• You will need a large area of space for installation, especially if the unit you are installing is large. 

Different Types of Solar Options in West Virginia

Here at Feazel, for over 25 years, our goal is to repair any type of damage that your roof may have experienced, primarily. But what if we could do two things at once? We are more than excited to be able to offer the standard help but also offer different options if you’re looking for a new kind of renewable energy.

GAF Solar Shingles: These shingles are revolutionizing the solar market while also offering homeowners the opportunity to seamlessly integrate solar panels into their roof, these shingles come with dual warranties—one as a solar panel and another as a shingle—ensuring long-lasting performance.

This option is ideal for homeowners who are wanting to do a little bit of a makeover to their roof. Not only will the solar shingles lie flush with the rest of your roof which will help give your home and clean a smooth finish. 

Rack Mounted Solar: The classic rack mounted solar panels will be a familiar site to most people. Since these systems are mounted on top of your roof, this means that your roof will need to be in good condition to provide a stable unit.  With proper installation and maintenance, mounted solar panels are an efficient way to harness solar energy for your homes electrical needs. 

Net Metering

When talking about solar, the topic of net metering is usually tied along with it. But what does net metering even mean? To put it plainly, it involves the sale of any surplus energy that is not being used, back to utility companies at a certain price/rate. Doing additional research on electricity rates in your city can always be a good thing.

This surplus is then put back into the grid, which would hopefully contribute to the overall supply and potentially offset the cost for consumers. Keep in mind that the individual is not inclined to sell any excess energy back to the electric companies if they don’t want to, they are also able to store it. Albeit, you will need to have a solar battery installed if you would rather go this route.

Should I Get Solar for My West Virginian Home?

When considering going green, your first step should be to look into reliable solar companies in West Virginia. Installing solar panels and or solar shingles is a great measure towards moving green. While the upfront cost of solar seems a bit daunting, the long-term benefits outweigh the initial step. 

Not only will you be contributing to a cleaner environment, but you’ll also be enjoying your reduced utility bill and energy independence. Interested in solar? Call us today!