Solar Panel Cost Guide in Asheville, NC (2024 Update)
- Asheville Solar Installation Cost: $17,115
- 25-Year Savings: $20,158
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Asheville
We go over average solar pricing in Asheville.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Asheville typically cost around 4.Since a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Asheville, the average price of going solar will be about $17,115 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Asheville depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Asheville homeowners see about $18,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar company in Asheville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Asheville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,644 |
| 3 years | $-12,702 |
| 5 years | $-9,759 |
| 7 years | $-6,817 |
| 9 years | $-3,875 |
| 11 years | $-933 |
| 13 years | $2,009 |
| 15 years | $4,951 |
| 17 years | $7,894 |
| 19 years | $10,836 |
| 21 years | $13,778 |
| 23 years | $16,720 |
| 25 years | $19,662 |
Top Solar Installers in Asheville
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Asheville, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
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 Asheville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Asheville
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Asheville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,510. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Asheville, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Asheville is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Additionally, some companies in Asheville know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.65 | $15,332 | $12,699 | 13.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $17,325 | 13.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $22,148 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $27,167 | 12.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $32,383 | 12.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $37,795 | 12.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $43,404 | 12.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $49,210 | 11.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Asheville, 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:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
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 Asheville, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Asheville?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Asheville is currently $450,297, which means you can expect a value of about $18,462 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Asheville is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Asheville?
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 larger 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.