Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Bickmore, West Virginia. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Mountain View Solar is a premier, employee-owned solar installer based in West Virginia, renowned for its high-quality installations and deep expertise in both grid-tied and complex off-grid systems. They are a leading authority on solar in the region and handle the entire process, from design and financing to installation and maintenance.
Part of a larger, well-capitalized regional group, Solar Energy World WV brings extensive resources and manufacturer partnerships to West Virginia. They are known for a streamlined process, strong financing options, and a focus on customer education and high customer satisfaction ratings.
Solar Holler is a mission-driven company focused specifically on bringing solar power to homes, businesses, and nonprofits across West Virginia and Appalachia. They are particularly adept at navigating available incentives and have unique financing models designed to make solar accessible.
The home solar market in and around Bickmore, WV, is characterized by a low density of local installers but is capably served by several high-quality, reputable regional companies. These providers are experienced with the specific challenges of the region, including rural property layouts, varying roof types (often older or metal roofs), and the desire for energy independence. The competition, while not high in quantity, is very high in quality, with each top provider bringing a distinct strength—be it off-grid expertise, robust financing, or community focus. Typical pricing for a residential system is competitive with the national average, ranging from **$2.80 to $3.50 per watt** before the 30% federal tax credit. This translates to a gross cost of approximately **$21,000 to $35,000** for an average 7-10 kW system. The knowledge of state-specific incentives, net metering policies, and financing is a key differentiator among the top-tier installers serving this market.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Bickmore regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Bickmore, West Virginia.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Bickmore, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, you can apply the 30% federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) to significantly reduce this cost. While West Virginia does not have a state-level tax credit, you should check with your local utility, Appalachian Power or Mon Power, for any potential rebate programs, and net metering policies ensure you get credit for excess power sent back to the grid.
Solar panels work efficiently in cold, clear weather, and West Virginia's climate is quite suitable. While winter days are shorter and snow cover can temporarily reduce output, panels often perform better in cooler temperatures. The annual average of sunny days in the region provides sufficient light for strong yearly production, and systems are designed to account for seasonal variations, ensuring you meet a significant portion of your annual energy needs.
You will need to obtain a building permit from the Clay County Building Department. Your installer will typically handle this process. The most critical regulation is adhering to the net metering rules and interconnection standards set by the West Virginia Public Service Commission and your specific utility (Apalachian Power or Mon Power), which govern how your system connects to the grid and how you are credited for surplus energy.
Look for installers who are licensed, insured, and have strong experience with West Virginia's specific interconnection processes. Seek out providers with local knowledge of Clay County's permitting and who can show you examples of installations on homes with similar roof types and orientations to yours. Always check reviews, ask for references from nearby past customers, and ensure they offer robust warranties on both equipment and workmanship.
While technically possible, going completely off-grid in West Virginia is challenging and expensive due to the need for a very large battery bank to store enough power for multiple cloudy days, especially in winter. For most Bickmore homeowners, a grid-tied system with net metering is the most practical and cost-effective choice, providing reliability and allowing you to use the grid as a backup without the high upfront cost of a full off-grid battery system.