Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ashland, NJ (2023 Update)
- Ashland Solar Installation Cost: $9,036
- 25-Year Savings: $10,452
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ashland
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Ashland.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Ashland generally cost about 2.77. The average solar panel system size in Ashland is around 4.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,036 for a solar installation, or $12,921 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. With average savings of about $16,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Ashland find going solar can be quite rewarding.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ashland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,256 |
| 3 years | $-6,697 |
| 5 years | $-5,138 |
| 7 years | $-3,579 |
| 9 years | $-2,020 |
| 11 years | $-461 |
| 13 years | $1,098 |
| 15 years | $2,657 |
| 17 years | $4,216 |
| 19 years | $5,775 |
| 21 years | $7,334 |
| 23 years | $8,893 |
| 25 years | $10,452 |
Top Solar Installers in Ashland
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra time and knowledge. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy needs, but working with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Ashland, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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
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 significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Ashland, one of the most crucial 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 usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Ashland to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost 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 higher prices over time because of interest. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Some companies 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 find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is within 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $13,000 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $17,644 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $22,443 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $27,397 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $32,506 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $37,770 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $43,190 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $48,764 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component 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, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ashland?
The average cost of solar panels in Ashland is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Ashland?
A solar panel system isn't free in Ashland, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Ashland, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.