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West Virginia Solar Guide 2026

Everything West Virginia homeowners need to know: costs, incentives, net metering policy, and what makes this state unique for solar.

Key fact about West Virginia solar

West Virginia has the lowest electricity rates in the US, historically opposed solar with legislative barriers (since reversed), and has low sun hours. The 2023 net metering restoration is a positive shift, but economics remain challenging.

Peak sun hours

4.2

hrs/day avg

Avg electricity rate

10.0¢

per kWh

Median install cost

$2.9/W

before incentives

Typical payback

15 yrs

8 kW system, avg usage

Typical 8 kW system in West Virginia

Annual production

12,264 kWh

Year-1 savings

$1,226

System cost (est.)

$23,200

No federal tax credit — Section 25D expired December 31, 2025.

West Virginia Net Metering Policy

Full retail net metering (restored 2023)

West Virginia restored full retail net metering in 2023 after a court ruling. Mon Power and Appalachian Power must now credit exports at retail. Policy is newly restored — confirm current rules with your utility.

West Virginia Solar Incentives

Available in addition to any utility rebates. Federal 25D credit is $0 for homeowner-owned systems from 2026.

  • Property tax exemption on solar systems
  • No state income tax credit
See full West Virginia incentive database →

Top Utilities in West Virginia

Mon Power (FirstEnergy)Appalachian Power (AEP)Wheeling Power (AEP)

Interconnection timeline: 5–10 weeks

Calculate your West Virginia solar economics

Our calculators are pre-filled with West Virginia data. Run any tool below.