Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ashland, MA (2023 Update)
- Ashland Solar Installation Cost: $9,178
- 25-Year Savings: $16,836
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ashland
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Ashland.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Ashland generally cost about 2.94. Since a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Ashland, the average price of going solar will be about $9,179 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Ashland see about $22,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ashland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,454 |
| 3 years | $-4,007 |
| 5 years | $-560 |
| 7 years | $2,887 |
| 9 years | $6,333 |
| 11 years | $9,780 |
| 13 years | $13,227 |
| 15 years | $16,674 |
| 17 years | $20,121 |
| 19 years | $23,568 |
| 21 years | $27,015 |
| 23 years | $30,462 |
| 25 years | $33,908 |
Top Solar Installers in Ashland
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Ashland, optimizing your ROI.
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 in Ashland:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Ashland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ashland
There are many factors that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,940. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Ashland to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Ashland is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.06 | $12,842 | $22,159 | 9.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $29,874 | 9.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $37,754 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $45,799 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $54,008 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $62,382 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $70,921 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $79,624 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Ashland, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar panel system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Ashland, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ashland?
The average cost of solar panels in Ashland is about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Ashland?
You can't get solar panels for free in Ashland. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,166.68 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.