Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ashland, VA (Mar 2023)
- Ashland Solar Installation Cost: $15,073
- 25-Year Savings: $20,318
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ashland
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Ashland.
The average cost of solar panels in Ashland is 2.75 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Ashland is around 7.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,073 for a solar installation, or $21,554 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Ashland homeowner can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Ashland that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Ashland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,657 |
| 3 years | $-10,826 |
| 5 years | $-7,995 |
| 7 years | $-5,163 |
| 9 years | $-2,332 |
| 11 years | $499 |
| 13 years | $3,331 |
| 15 years | $6,162 |
| 17 years | $8,993 |
| 19 years | $11,824 |
| 21 years | $14,656 |
| 23 years | $17,487 |
| 25 years | $20,318 |
Top Solar Installers in Ashland
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be hard. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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
There are many criteria that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Ashland, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,750 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Ashland provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Ashland homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will affect 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 decide on the company that has 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 | $2.86 | $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 brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,750 for a 5-kW system and $27,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Ashland?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Ashland?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either 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.
How long do solar panels last in Ashland?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level 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.