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.Because a 7.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Ashland, the average price of going solar will be about $19,668 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Ashland depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Ashland homeowner can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-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 | $-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. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- 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
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary 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
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Ashland, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,590 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient 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 far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, 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 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.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like to install plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Ashland, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ashland?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient 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 electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $904.36 per year.
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 decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.