Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ashland, VA (2024 Update)
- Ashland Solar Installation Cost: $19,668
- 25-Year Savings: $20,325
- Payback Period: 13.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ashland
We break down average solar pricing in Ashland.
In Ashland, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Ashland homeowner needs a 7.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,668 with the federal tax credit, or $28,125 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Ashland can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Ashland, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ashland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,069 |
| 3 years | $-14,872 |
| 5 years | $-11,674 |
| 7 years | $-8,476 |
| 9 years | $-5,278 |
| 11 years | $-2,080 |
| 13 years | $1,118 |
| 15 years | $4,316 |
| 17 years | $7,514 |
| 19 years | $10,711 |
| 21 years | $13,909 |
| 23 years | $17,107 |
| 25 years | $20,305 |
Top Solar Installers in Ashland
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company 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
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
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary 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
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,590.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Ashland to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Ashland, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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 | $3.73 | $15,681 | $11,450 | 14.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $15,668 | 14.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $20,088 | 13.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $24,709 | 13.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $29,531 | 13.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $34,554 | 13.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $39,777 | 12.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $45,202 | 12.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Ashland, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide good-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 be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ashland?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Ashland?
Solar panels aren’t free in Ashland, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Ashland, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate 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 long do solar panels last in Ashland?
Although 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 decide to replace them once you've had 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.