Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ashland, CA (Mar 2023)
- Ashland Solar Installation Cost: $5,752
- 25-Year Savings: $20,579
- Payback Period: 5.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ashland
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Ashland.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Ashland generally cost about 2.73. Using this figure, a typical 3.0-kW system would cost about $5,752 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Ashland based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Ashland can save around $33,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ashland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,699 |
| 3 years | $-2,592 |
| 5 years | $-486 |
| 7 years | $1,621 |
| 9 years | $3,727 |
| 11 years | $5,834 |
| 13 years | $7,940 |
| 15 years | $10,046 |
| 17 years | $12,153 |
| 19 years | $14,259 |
| 21 years | $16,366 |
| 23 years | $18,472 |
| 25 years | $20,579 |
Top Solar Installers in Ashland
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to use a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Ashland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ashland
For many Ashland homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Ashland, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,730 per kilowatt in Ashland. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Ashland, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Ashland is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. Additionally, some companies in Ashland have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.84 | $11,925 | $40,546 | 5.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $54,367 | 5.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $68,341 | 5.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $82,468 | 5.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $96,747 | 5.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $111,180 | 5.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $125,765 | 5.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $140,504 | 4.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Ashland, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ashland?
The average cost of solar panels in Ashland is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.