Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ashland, OH (2024 Update)

  • Ashland Solar Installation Cost: $18,362
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,144
  • Payback Period: 15.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Ashland

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Ashland.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Ashland it’s 3 per watt.Because a 7.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Ashland, the average price of going solar will be about $18,362 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.With average savings of about $15,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Ashland find investing in solar has a decent ROI.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Ashland for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Ashland

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-17,142
3 years $-14,701
5 years $-12,261
7 years $-9,820
9 years $-7,380
11 years $-4,940
13 years $-2,499
15 years $-59
17 years $2,382
19 years $4,822
21 years $7,263
23 years $9,703
25 years $12,144

Top Solar Installers in Ashland

Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra labor and expertise. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’re unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Ashland:

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

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

See all of the solar companies in Ashland

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ashland

The cost of installing a solar system in Ashland can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,410. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Ashland, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Ashland offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Ashland, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $3.55 $14,895 $8,915 15.6 years
8 kW $3.48 $19,478 $12,268 15.3 years
10 kW $3.41 $23,870 $15,813 15.0 years
12 kW $3.34 $28,071 $19,548 14.7 years
14 kW $3.27 $32,081 $23,474 14.4 years
16 kW $3.21 $35,900 $27,592 14.1 years
18 kW $3.14 $39,529 $31,900 13.8 years
20 kW $3.07 $42,966 $36,399 13.5 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
  • Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.

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

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Ashland, OH Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Ashland is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in Ashland?

A solar panel system isn’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 help lower the cost.

Does Ashland have a net metering program?

The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.

Follow us