Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ashland, OH (2024 Update)
- Ashland Solar Installation Cost: $18,362
- 25-Year Savings: $12,144
- Payback Period: 15.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ashland
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Ashland.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Ashland it’s 3 per watt.The average Ashland homeowner needs a 7.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,362 with the federal tax credit, or $26,258 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Ashland homeowner can save around $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ashland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,142 |
| 3 years | $-14,701 |
| 5 years | $-12,261 |
| 7 years | $-9,820 |
| 9 years | $-7,380 |
| 11 years | $-4,940 |
| 13 years | $-2,499 |
| 15 years | $-59 |
| 17 years | $2,382 |
| 19 years | $4,822 |
| 21 years | $7,263 |
| 23 years | $9,703 |
| 25 years | $12,144 |
Top Solar Installers in Ashland
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since installing solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Ashland, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Ashland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ashland
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Ashland: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Ashland average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Ashland homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Ashland, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.55 | $14,895 | $8,915 | 15.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $12,268 | 15.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $15,813 | 15.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $19,548 | 14.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $23,474 | 14.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $27,592 | 14.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $31,900 | 13.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $36,399 | 13.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable 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 verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Ashland, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ashland?
The average cost of solar panels in Ashland is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels 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 can help lower the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Ashland?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.