What to know about net metering in West Virginia
Net metering gives homeowners bill credits for extra electricity their solar panels send to the grid. How much those credits are worth depends on the utility and when the customer enrolled.
- Mon Power and Potomac Edison: Grandfathered customers receive full retail-rate credits, and unused credits roll over from month to month. Newer customers currently receive 9.343 cents per kilowatt-hour sent to the grid. That rate is approved through Dec. 31, 2026.
- Appalachian Power and Wheeling Power: Grandfathered customers also receive full retail-rate credits. Newer residential customers currently receive 12.41 cents per kilowatt-hour sent to the grid.
Residential systems are generally limited to 25 kilowatts. Customers of rural electric cooperatives, municipal utilities and some smaller utilities may install systems up to 50 kilowatts.
Each utility can limit total net metering participation to 3% of its previous year’s peak demand, with at least 0.5% set aside for residential customers.
Solar panel costs in West Virginia
Average solar panel costs in West Virginia generally start between $15,477 and $30,955.
System size is one of the biggest factors affecting the cost of going solar. Your total price also depends on whether you add battery storage to your system. Solar batteries cost $7,000 to $18,000, which can double your total system's price tag.
Solar panel costs by system size in West Virginia
| 5 kW | 6 kW | 7 kW | 8 kW | 9 kW | 10 kW | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide average | $15,477 | $18,573 | $21,668 | $24,764 | $27,859 | $30,955 |
How can I pay for solar panels?
You can pay cash, but most people finance solar panels with a solar loan. It works a lot like any other type of loan — there’s an application and approval process, and you pay it back over time (with interest). You also have the option of getting a lease or power purchase agreement.
Federal mortgage options for solar panels
West Virginia doesn’t currently offer a statewide rebate or tax credit for new residential solar systems. However, eligible homeowners may be able to use federal mortgage programs to finance solar panels or other energy upgrades.
- FHA financing: Eligible borrowers may be able to add the cost of a new solar system to an FHA-insured purchase or refinance mortgage. FHA Energy Efficient Mortgages can also cover qualifying energy upgrades, which generally require a home energy assessment and must be cost-effective.
- VA Energy Efficient Mortgage: Eligible VA borrowers may be able to add up to $6,000 for approved energy-efficiency improvements. For costs over $3,000, projected monthly savings must exceed the increase in the mortgage payment. Eligible improvements and program availability vary by lender.
» SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy
Compare solar companies in West Virginia
Working with a local solar company in West Virginia makes it easier to understand local incentives.
| Company | Customer rating | Professional install | Max. panel efficiency | Panel warranty | Payment options | Year founded | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Cenvar Roofing & Solar | Learn More | 5.0 |  | 22.2% | 25 years | Cash, loan | 2012 |
 ShopSolar | Learn More | 4.5 |  | Varies | Varies | Cash, loan | 2018 |
FAQ
Can I get free solar panels in West Virginia?
West Virginia doesn’t offer a statewide program that provides free solar panels. However, depending on the provider, you may be able to lease a system or enter a power purchase agreement with little or no upfront cost.
Neither is totally free. Solar leases generally require a flat monthly fee; PPAs make you pay per unit of electricity.
» FREE SOLAR PANELS: Are they really free?
Are there any incentives for homeowners to add solar storage batteries in West Virginia?
West Virginia doesn’t currently offer a statewide rebate or tax credit specifically for residential battery storage. Check with your utility or installer for any local or temporary programs.
» EXPLORE: Solar incentives by state
Are solar panels worth it in West Virginia?
Going solar can be worth it for West Virginia homeowners, but the potential savings depend on installation costs, electricity use, financing terms and the utility’s net metering rates.
Over 25 years, West Virginia homeowners with solar panels are projected to avoid an average of $63,643 in utility costs. Your current electricity use can help determine the system size you need, your potential savings and how long it may take for the system to pay for itself.
» COMPARE: Solar companies in West Virginia
Is my HOA allowed to restrict solar panels?
In some cases. West Virginia generally voids HOA covenants that effectively prohibit solar installations, but associations may impose reasonable restrictions that don’t make a system impractical.
HOAs may also regulate installations on common areas, and association members can vote to establish additional restrictions.
Is my house a good candidate for solar?
Solar panels work best on a large, unshaded roof with enough usable space. South-facing roofs generally receive the most sunlight, although east- and west-facing roofs can also work.
The condition of your roof matters too. If it will need to be replaced soon, it’s usually better to do that before installing solar panels. Otherwise, you may have to pay to remove and reinstall the system during the roof replacement.
What has West Virginia’s investment in solar been so far?
Total solar investments in the state amount to $605 million, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- DSIRE, "West Virginia Programs." Accessed July 28, 2026.
- West Virginia Code, "§36-4-19. Solar energy covenants unenforceable; penalty." Accessed July 28, 2026.
- Appalachian Power, "West Virginia Net Metering." Accessed July 28, 2026.
- Monongahela Power Company, "Rates and Rules & Regulations For Electric Service In Certain Counties in West Virginia Indicated on Sheet Nos. 3-1 to 3-5 on file With the Public Service Commission of West Virginia." Accessed July 28, 2026.
- ENERGY STAR, "Energy Efficient Mortgages." Accessed July 28, 2026.
- Solar Energy Industries Association, "West Virginia." Accessed July 28, 2026.
