Solar Panel Cost Guide in Asheville, NC (2023 Update)
- Asheville Solar Installation Cost: $12,385
- 25-Year Savings: $20,158
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Asheville
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Asheville.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Asheville is 2.54 per watt. The average Asheville homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,393 with the federal tax credit, or $17,722 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Asheville for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Asheville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,277 |
| 3 years | $-12,060 |
| 5 years | $-11,843 |
| 7 years | $-11,626 |
| 9 years | $-11,409 |
| 11 years | $-11,192 |
| 13 years | $-10,975 |
| 15 years | $-10,758 |
| 17 years | $-10,541 |
| 19 years | $-10,324 |
| 21 years | $-10,107 |
| 23 years | $-9,890 |
| 25 years | $-9,673 |
Top Solar Installers in Asheville
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and handiness. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Asheville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Asheville
Although the average cost of a solar system in Asheville is $12,393, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 $2,540. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Asheville to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Asheville homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $2.64 | $11,095 | $16,936 | 9.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $22,866 | 9.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $28,938 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $35,152 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $41,509 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $48,007 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $54,648 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $61,432 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Asheville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Asheville, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Asheville?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Asheville?
You can't get solar panels for free in Asheville. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Asheville is currently $257,037, which means you can expect a value of about $10,539 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Asheville is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.