Solar Panel Cost Guide in Asheville, NC (2024 Update)
- Asheville Solar Installation Cost: $17,115
- 25-Year Savings: $20,158
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Asheville
We go over average solar pricing in Asheville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Asheville it’s 4 per watt.Since a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Asheville, the average price of going solar will be about $17,115 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Asheville based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Asheville homeowner can save around $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Asheville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,644 |
| 3 years | $-12,702 |
| 5 years | $-9,759 |
| 7 years | $-6,817 |
| 9 years | $-3,875 |
| 11 years | $-933 |
| 13 years | $2,009 |
| 15 years | $4,951 |
| 17 years | $7,894 |
| 19 years | $10,836 |
| 21 years | $13,778 |
| 23 years | $16,720 |
| 25 years | $19,662 |
Top Solar Installers in Asheville
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy usage, but working with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Asheville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Asheville, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,510 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Asheville, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
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. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can impact how much it costs. Asheville’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.65 | $15,332 | $12,699 | 13.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $17,325 | 13.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $22,148 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $27,167 | 12.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $32,383 | 12.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $37,795 | 12.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $43,404 | 12.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $49,210 | 11.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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?
The average cost of solar panels in Asheville is about $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Asheville?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.