West Virginia Solar Incentives, Cost & Net Metering (2026)
Written by Aditya Patil · Last updated 2026-09-24
Going solar in the Mountain State involves navigating a changing landscape. Following recent Public Service Commission decisions, your net metering compensation depends heavily on which utility serves your home and how soon you can submit your interconnection application.
$149
Avg. monthly bill
15.45¢/kWh
Avg. rate
-4.5% vs last year
Rate trend
9.4 kW
Avg. solar size
For typical usage
Cost of solar in West Virginia
Reliable, comprehensive statewide data for West Virginia's residential solar installation costs is currently sparse. While national averages can provide a ballpark figure, actual quotes will vary widely based on your location, roof complexity, and the installer you choose.
For a household consuming West Virginia's average 11,591 kWh of electricity per year, we estimate you would need a roughly 9.38 kW solar array to offset your entire energy use. Since the state does not offer its own solar rebates, you'll want to take advantage of the federal residential clean energy credit, which applies if you purchase the system with cash or a loan.
Net metering and export rules
West Virginia's net metering policies are currently fractured. The compensation you receive for sending excess solar energy back to the grid is no longer uniform across the state.
West Virginia's net metering policies are currently evolving and vary by utility following recent Public Service Commission (PSC) decisions. Historically, customers received 1:1 full retail credit for solar exports. However, starting January 1, 2025, new net metering customers of Mon Power and Potomac Edison (FirstEnergy) receive a reduced credit rate of approximately 9 cents per kWh, while existing customers are grandfathered for 25 years. Appalachian Power (AEP) customers currently retain 1:1 retail net metering but must submit interconnection applications by March 1, 2026, to lock in these rates before anticipated reductions take effect.
| Mon Power & Potomac Edison (New) | Reduced rate (~$0.09/kWh) since Jan 1, 2025 |
| Appalachian Power (Current) | 1:1 retail rate for applications before March 1, 2026 |
| Grandfathering (Mon Power / Potomac) | Existing customers locked in for 25 years |
| Credit Rollover | Unused monthly credits roll over to future bills |
Compensation depends on the utility and interconnection date. Appalachian Power currently credits at the full retail rate for applications submitted before March 1, 2026. Mon Power and Potomac Edison credit new solar customers at a reduced rate of roughly $0.09/kWh as of January 1, 2025. Unused monthly export credits generally roll over to future bills.
Top utilities
| Utility | Residential rate | Customers |
|---|---|---|
| Appalachian Power Co | 16.77¢/kWh | 348,946 |
| Monongahela Power Co | 13.97¢/kWh | 334,588 |
| The Potomac Edison Company | 12.59¢/kWh | 135,266 |
Residential rate and customer counts are from EIA-861 (see Data sources below).
Lease vs. buy in West Virginia
When considering solar in West Virginia, you can choose to purchase your system (cash or loan) or sign a lease/Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Purchasing allows you to directly claim the federal tax credit and maximizes long-term savings, although it requires a larger upfront commitment. Leasing usually means little to no money down, but the third-party company retains ownership and the associated tax incentives. See our lease vs. buy vs. PPA guide for more details.
Estimate your own numbers
The numbers above are based on statewide averages. Use the solar calculator with your own usage and any quote you've received for a tailored estimate.
FAQ
Does West Virginia still offer 1:1 net metering for solar?
It depends on your utility and when you apply. Appalachian Power customers still receive 1:1 full retail net metering if they apply by March 1, 2026. However, new solar customers using Mon Power or Potomac Edison are now credited at a reduced rate of roughly 9 cents per kWh, effective January 1, 2025.
Are there any state-level solar incentives or tax credits in West Virginia?
Currently, West Virginia does not have any state-specific solar tax credits or rebate programs. Homeowners must rely on the federal residential clean energy credit, which can significantly offset the upfront cost if you own your system.
What size solar system do I need for an average West Virginia home?
Based on the state average electricity usage of 11,591 kWh per year and local solar production estimates, a typical household in West Virginia would need an approximately 9.38 kW system to offset 100% of their annual energy use.
Data sources
Last updated 2026-09-24
- U.S. Energy Information Administration — Electricity Data Browser — accessed 2026-09-24
- NREL PVWatts — accessed 2026-09-24
- NREL Solar Resource Data — accessed 2026-09-24
- LBNL Tracking the Sun (public data file, host-owned residential systems) — accessed 2026-09-24
Written by Aditya Patil