Best Solar Companies in Asheville

Should I go solar in Asheville? What are the financial benefits?

Yes, it is generally worth going solar in Asheville, North Carolina, for several reasons:

1. Sunshine: Asheville gets an average of 255 days of sun per year, which is quite favorable for solar power generation.
2. Cost Savings: The total potential savings of installing solar in Asheville is estimated to be around $1,690 annually.
3. Incentives and Rebates: Solar incentives and rebates can significantly reduce the cost of installing solar in Asheville. The most significant incentive is the 30% federal solar tax credit, available to any taxpayer in the country when they purchase solar panels or battery storage.
4. Local Solar Installers: There are many top-rated solar companies in Asheville, such as NC Solar Now, Blue Raven Solar, and Yes Solar Solutions, which offer various services including installation, maintenance, and financing options.
5. Environmental Impact: By producing clean energy with home solar panels, local residents are preserving Asheville’s natural beauty and cutting home electricity costs.

*However, the exact worth of going solar can vary depending on specific factors such as your home’s solar potential, your current electricity usage, and the specific financing and pricing options offered by your chosen solar installer.

How much does solar save homeowners in Asheville, North Carolina?

1. Average Cost of Electricity in Asheville, NC: The average cost of electricity in Asheville, North Carolina is about 15 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). The average residential customer in Asheville spends about $209 per month on electricity, which adds up to $2,508 per year. This is 15% higher than the national average electric bill.
2. Savings with Solar Panels: If you install a solar system, on average, you’ll break even on your solar investment in 13.57 years in Asheville, at which point you may not owe anything on your electric bills. Assuming an 1.0% annual increase in electricity prices and that you install your system with a $0-down loan, you can expect to save $2,500 in your first year, $12,800 over five years, $26,300 over 10 years, and $55,300 over 20 years on electric bills in Asheville, NC.
3. Net Metering Policies in North Carolina: Net metering allows you to earn credits for any excess solar electricity you send to the grid when your solar panel system generates more than you need. However, on March 23, 2023, the North Carolina Utilities Commission approved new net metering rules that will lower solar savings for Duke Energy customers. The changes to net metering in North Carolina are anticipated to reduce the average solar shopper’s savings by approximately 20 percent. But, residents of North Carolina can lock in current net metering rates through 2026 by deciding to go solar and submitting a completed interconnection application by October 1, 2023.

While the initial cost of installing solar panels can be significant, the long-term savings, combined with the environmental benefits, make it a worthwhile investment for many homeowners in Asheville, NC. However, it’s important to consider the recent changes to net metering policies in North Carolina, as they could impact the overall savings from your solar installation. It’s recommended to consult with a local solar installer to get a personalized quote and more detailed information.

How much does solar save homeowners in Asheville, North Carolina?

1. Average Cost of Solar Installation: As of April 2024, the average cost of a solar panel system in Asheville is $2.78 per watt. For a 5 kW installation, this comes out to about $13,915 before incentives. Prices can range from $11,828 to $16,002.
2. Federal Solar Tax Credit: The federal government offers a 30% tax credit on all solar equipment and installation costs. This can significantly reduce the net cost of your solar system.
3. Payback Period: The payback period is the time it takes for the savings from your solar system to equal the initial investment. In Asheville, the average payback period for a solar system is approximately 12.08 years. This means that after about 12 years, the savings on your electricity bills will have covered the initial cost of the solar system.
4. Return on Investment (ROI): ROI is a measure of the profitability of an investment. In Asheville, if you pay for your system with cash, you’ll save about $17,456 over 20 years on electricity costs with a 5 kW system. This represents a significant return on your initial investment.
5. Net Metering: Net metering policies allow you to earn credits for any excess solar electricity you generate and send back to the grid. These credits can be used to offset your electricity bills, further increasing your savings and reducing the payback period. However, recent changes to net metering rules in North Carolina may impact these savings.

Please note that these are average figures and the exact numbers can vary depending on factors like your home’s sun exposure, roof size, and electricity usage. It’s recommended to get a personalized quote from a local solar installer for the most accurate information. Going solar is a significant investment, but with the right planning, it can offer substantial benefits.

What is the average cost of going solar in Asheville, North Carolina?

The average cost of going solar in Asheville, North Carolina varies based on the size of the solar system. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown:

Solar System Costs:

• 3 kW System
  • Average Cost (Before Tax Credit): $8,349
  • Average Cost (After 30% Tax Credit): $5,845
• 4 kW System
  • Average Cost (Before Tax Credit): $11,132
  • Average Cost (After 30% Tax Credit): $7,793
• 5 kW System
  • Average Cost (Before Tax Credit): $13,915
  • Average Cost (After 30% Tax Credit): $9,741
• 6 kW System
  • Average Cost (Before Tax Credit): $16,699
  • Average Cost (After 30% Tax Credit): $11,689
• 7 kW System
  • Average Cost (Before Tax Credit): $19,482
  • Average Cost (After 30% Tax Credit): $13,637
• 8 kW System
  • Average Cost (Before Tax Credit): $22,265
  • Average Cost (After 30% Tax Credit): $15,585
• 9 kW System
  • Average Cost (Before Tax Credit): $25,048
  • Average Cost (After 30% Tax Credit): $17,534
• 10 kW System
  • Average Cost (Before Tax Credit): $27,311
  • Average Cost (After 30% Tax Credit): $19,482

The output performance of a solar panel system depends on factors like the system’s size, the amount of sunlight the panels receive, and the efficiency of the panels. Here’s how you can calculate the output performance:

1. Identify Your Household Energy Usage: You can use energy monitors or your household utility bill. For instance, your household might use 30 kWh of electricity every day.
2. Evaluate Sunlight Availability: You can utilize solar irradiance maps or local meteorological sources. If your area receives an average of 5 hours of sunlight per day it will be your standard in calculation.
3. Calculate Required Solar Panel Capacity: Perform calculations using this formula- Required PV panel wattage (Watts) = Average Daily Energy Consumption (kWh) / Average Daily Sunlight Exposure (hours). For example, if your household uses 30 kWh per day and you get 5 hours of sunlight, the required solar panel output = 30 kWh / 5 hours = 6 kW.
4. Consider Climate Changes: To account for efficiency losses and weather conditions, add a buffer to your solar panel output requirements. Usually, it is 1.2 to 1.5 which is multiplied by the desired output. For example with a 20% buffer, the required solar panel output with Buffer (Watts) = 6 kW×1.20 = 7.2 kW.

Asheville Solar Incentives & Rebates

Here are some of the key incentives, tax credits, and rebates available for solar installations in Asheville, North Carolina:

1. Federal Solar Investment Tax Credits: This is a federal incentive that allows you to deduct 30% of the cost of installing a solar energy system from your federal taxes.
2. Duke Energy – NC Solar Rebate Program: This program offers a rebate for residential, nonresidential, and nonprofit solar installations. The rebate rates are as follows:

• Residential: $0.60/W-AC
• Nonresidential: $0.50/W-AC
• Nonprofit: $0.75/W-AC

1. Property Tax Abatement for Solar Electric Systems: This program offers a property tax incentive for solar electric systems1. The details are as follows:
   • Residential systems: 100% of the appraised value
   • All other systems: 80% of the appraised value
2. Active Solar Heating and Cooling Systems Exemption: This program offers a property tax incentive for active solar heating and cooling systems.
3. EnergyUnited (Electric) Residential Energy Efficiency Program: This program offers a rebate for energy-efficient heat pumps1
4. Duke Energy (Electric) – Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program: This program offers a rebate for various energy-efficient home improvements, including central air conditioning or heat pump, geothermal heat pump, heat pump water heater, attic insulation or attic air sealing, duct sealing, and variable-speed pool pumps.
5. NC GreenPower Production Incentive: This program offers a performance-based incentive for solar PV and wind systems.
6. Local Option – Financing Program for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency: This program offers a loan for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.
7. Local Option – Green Building Incentives: This program offers a green building incentive authorized by legislation for green buildings.
8. City of Asheville Building Permit Rebates: The City of Asheville offers building permit rebates for homeowners and businesses who use solar panels and other green energy technologies. In the case of solar panels, there is a $50 rebate on your building permit application.

*Please note that these programs are subject to change and it’s recommended to check with the relevant authorities or a local solar installer for the most up-to-date information.

How Do I Apply for the Federal Solar Tax Credit?

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the Federal Solar Tax Credit in Asheville:

1. Gather Your Documents: Collect all the necessary documents related to your solar installation. This includes receipts and invoices from your solar installation, which will show the total cost of your solar system.
2. Fill Out IRS Form 5695: Download and fill out IRS Form 5695, Residential Energy Credits. On Form 5695, enter the full amount you paid to have your solar system installed in line 1.
3. Calculate Your Credit: Calculate the amount of your federal solar tax credit. This is done by taking the total cost of your system and multiplying it by 0.30. For example, if you spent $25,000 all-in on going solar (parts, labor, permits, etc), then your tax credit would be worth $7,500.
4. Complete Your Tax Return: Fill in Form 1040 as you normally would. When you get to line 5 of Schedule 3 (Form 1040), it’s time to switch to Form 5695.
5. Claim Your Credit: File Form 5695, Residential Energy Credits with your tax return to claim the credit. You must claim the credit for the tax year when the property is installed, not merely purchased.
6. Consult a Tax Professional: This guide does not constitute tax advice. Consult a licensed tax professional regarding your situation.

The Federal Solar Tax Credit is a significant incentive that can help reduce the cost of going solar. Make sure to take advantage of it if you’re eligible.