Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ashland, VA (2023 Update)
- Ashland Solar Installation Cost: $15,066
- 25-Year Savings: $20,325
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ashland
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Ashland.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Ashland generally cost about 2.75. Using this figure, a typical 7.8-kW system would cost about $15,073 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Ashland see about $17,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ashland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,467 |
| 3 years | $-10,270 |
| 5 years | $-7,072 |
| 7 years | $-3,874 |
| 9 years | $-676 |
| 11 years | $2,522 |
| 13 years | $5,720 |
| 15 years | $8,918 |
| 17 years | $12,116 |
| 19 years | $15,313 |
| 21 years | $18,511 |
| 23 years | $21,709 |
| 25 years | $24,907 |
Top Solar Installers in Ashland
When going solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Ashland: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,750 per kilowatt in Ashland. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Ashland, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Ashland homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Ashland is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits 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 | $2.86 | $12,012 | $15,119 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $20,467 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $25,968 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $31,624 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $37,433 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $43,397 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $49,515 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $55,786 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers 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.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Ashland, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ashland?
The average cost of solar panels in Ashland is about $13,750 for a 5-kW system and $27,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Ashland?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Ashland have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
How long do solar panels last in Ashland?
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 opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.