Solar in West Virginia
Key Solar Metrics
15.4¢/kWh
4.7 peak sun hours
820 kWh/kW
Net Metering
2 active programs
West Virginia Net Metering
City
Major Utilities
Solar Landscape in West Virginia
West Virginia's electricity market is dominated by two investor-owned utilities: Appalachian Power Company (APCo, an AEP subsidiary) and Monongahela Power Company/Potomac Edison (both FirstEnergy subsidiaries). APCo serves southern and central West Virginia, while Monongahela Power and Potomac Edison serve northern and eastern portions of the state.
West Virginia's electricity generation is historically coal-dependent, resulting in relatively low electricity rates but increasing regulatory pressure on net metering. The WV PSC has been reducing net metering compensation rates, with Monongahela Power/Potomac Edison customers installing after January 1, 2025 receiving 9.3 cents/kWh (below retail rate), and APCo following with similar reductions for customers applying after March 1, 2026.
Permitting
Solar permitting in West Virginia is handled at the local level by city and county building departments. The state does not have statewide streamlined permitting standards, and SolarAPP+ adoption is very limited due to the relatively small solar market.
Typical permitting timelines in West Virginia range from 1 to 3 weeks. Charleston, Morgantown, and other larger cities have more established permitting processes. West Virginia's statewide interconnection standards (clarified by HB 3310 in 2021) help simplify the grid connection process.
West Virginia Code 36-4-19 provides HOA solar access protections, prohibiting housing associations from restricting solar installations except for historical preservation, architectural significance, or religious/cultural importance.
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Solar Incentives & Rebates
Some incentive data is provisional and subject to verification. Programs may change — check official sources before making decisions.
State Programs
West Virginia Net Metering
West Virginia net metering at avoided cost rate (~$0.09/kWh for AEP). Systems up to 25 kW. Credits roll over monthly.
West Virginia Property Tax Exemption for Solar
West Virginia exempts solar energy systems from property tax assessment.
West Virginia Net Metering
- Policy Type
- Net Metering
- Credit Type
- Avoided Cost
- Excess Generation Rate
- $0.09/kWh
- System Size Cap
- 25 kW
- Annual Credit Rollover
- Yes
- Effective Date
- June 1, 2015
Run the Numbers for West Virginia
Solar in West Virginia costs $2.68–$3.25 per watt
National average: $3.36/W
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