Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ashland, CA (2024 Update)
- Ashland Solar Installation Cost: $7,314
- 25-Year Savings: $20,577
- Payback Period: 6.9 Years
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Updated February 03, 2024
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ashland
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Ashland.
The average cost of a solar system in Ashland is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 3.0-kW system would cost about $7,314 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Ashland homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Ashland homeowner can save around $33,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Ashland
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-5,776 |
3 years | $-2,700 |
5 years | $376 |
7 years | $3,452 |
9 years | $6,528 |
11 years | $9,603 |
13 years | $12,679 |
15 years | $15,755 |
17 years | $18,831 |
19 years | $21,907 |
21 years | $24,982 |
23 years | $28,058 |
25 years | $31,134 |
Top Solar Installers in Ashland
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Ashland:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Ashland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ashland
For many Ashland homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Ashland, 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
One of the most important 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 power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,470 per kilowatt in Ashland.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 power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Ashland average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Ashland have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Ashland homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Ashland, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
---|---|---|---|---|
6 kW | $3.61 | $15,157 | $37,313 | 7.2 years |
8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $50,140 | 7.1 years |
10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $63,161 | 6.9 years |
12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $76,376 | 6.8 years |
14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $89,785 | 6.7 years |
16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $103,389 | 6.5 years |
18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $117,187 | 6.4 years |
20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $131,180 | 6.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Ashland, 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: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Ashland, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ashland?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Ashland?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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.