Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ashville, OH (Mar 2023)

  • Ashville Solar Installation Cost: $13,440
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,178
  • Payback Period: 9.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ashville

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Ashville.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Ashville, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.56 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Ashville is around 7.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,440 for a solar installation, or $19,219 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Ashville homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Ashville can save about $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Ashville that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Ashville

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,055
3 years $-9,286
5 years $-6,516
7 years $-3,747
9 years $-977
11 years $1,792
13 years $4,562
15 years $7,331
17 years $10,101
19 years $12,870
21 years $15,640
23 years $18,409
25 years $21,178

Top Solar Installers in Ashville

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Ashville:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Ashville

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ashville

For many Ashville homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Ashville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over 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 a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average 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 choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Ashville average.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can play a role in determining your pricing. Ashville's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering 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 vehicle 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 $2.66 $11,182 $16,530 10.1 years
8 kW $2.61 $14,623 $22,327 9.9 years
10 kW $2.56 $17,920 $28,267 9.7 years
12 kW $2.51 $21,074 $34,350 9.5 years
14 kW $2.46 $24,084 $40,577 9.3 years
16 kW $2.41 $26,952 $46,947 9.1 years
18 kW $2.36 $29,676 $53,461 8.9 years
20 kW $2.30 $32,256 $60,117 8.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies to choose from in Ashville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Ashville, OH Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ashville?

The average cost of solar panels in Ashville is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Can you get solar panels for free in Ashville?

A solar panel system isn't free in Ashville, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

Is making the switch to solar worth it?

Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses 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 household 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.

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