Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ashland, MA (Mar 2023)
- Ashland Solar Installation Cost: $9,179
- 25-Year Savings: $16,835
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ashland
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Ashland.
In Ashland, solar panels cost about 2.94 per watt on average. 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%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $22,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Ashland find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Ashland that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Ashland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,138 |
| 3 years | $-6,057 |
| 5 years | $-3,976 |
| 7 years | $-1,895 |
| 9 years | $186 |
| 11 years | $2,267 |
| 13 years | $4,348 |
| 15 years | $6,430 |
| 17 years | $8,511 |
| 19 years | $10,592 |
| 21 years | $12,673 |
| 23 years | $14,754 |
| 25 years | $16,835 |
Top Solar Installers in Ashland
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Ashland, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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
There are many factors that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,940. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, 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 much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Ashland, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into your budget.
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
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ashland?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Ashland?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Ashland?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Ashland?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.