Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Follansbee, West Virginia. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading West Virginia-based solar installer focused on residential and commercial projects across the state. They are known for their expertise in handling the specific terrain and climate of the region and for their comprehensive service from consultation to post-installation maintenance.
A regional solar power provider with a strong presence in multiple states, including West Virginia. They are recognized for their robust financing options and in-house expertise in system design, installation, and maintenance.
A well-established electrical contractor that has expanded into a premier solar installation company for Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. They leverage their deep electrical background for high-quality system integration and troubleshooting.
** The home solar market in Follansbee, WV, and the surrounding Brooke County area is a developing one. While West Virginia's overall solar adoption rate has been slower than the national average, the market is growing due to decreasing equipment costs, federal tax incentives, and increasing energy consciousness. The competition is moderate, with a handful of strong regional players from Wheeling, Pittsburgh, and Ohio serving the area, rather than a saturation of local contractors. Typical pricing for a residential system is competitive with the national average, generally ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before applying the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This translates to a gross cost of approximately **$15,000 to $30,000** for a typical 6-10 kW system. Homeowners are advised to seek multiple quotes and verify that any contractor they consider is properly licensed, insured, and has specific experience with solar installations in the region's climate.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Follansbee regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Follansbee, West Virginia.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Follansbee, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, you can apply the 30% federal solar tax credit, and West Virginia offers a state tax credit of 30% of the system cost (capped at $2,000). Additionally, solar systems are exempt from state property tax increases, and Appalachian Power offers net metering, significantly improving long-term savings.
Follansbee experiences all four seasons, with sunny summers offering peak production and snowy winters reducing output. However, solar panels are efficient in cold, clear weather, and snow usually melts quickly off the slick panels. The key consideration is the higher number of cloudy days, especially in late fall and winter, which is why accurate system sizing and realistic production estimates from your installer are essential.
Prioritize installers licensed in West Virginia with strong local experience, as they will understand Appalachian Power's specific interconnection process and local building codes. Ask for references from recent installations in Brooke or Hancock County and verify they handle all necessary permits. It's also wise to choose a provider familiar with mounting systems that can handle our regional weather, including wind and snow loads.
Yes, you will need a building permit from the City of Follansbee's Building Department. A reputable local installer will typically manage this entire process for you. The permit ensures your roof structure and the installation method comply with the West Virginia State Building Code and local ordinances, which include considerations for structural integrity and electrical safety.
Standard grid-tied solar systems automatically shut off during a power outage for safety reasons, to prevent sending electricity back to the grid and endangering utility workers. To have power during an outage, you would need to invest in a solar battery storage system (like a Tesla Powerwall or similar). This is a valuable consideration in our area, as it provides backup power during severe storms or grid maintenance events.