Best 5 Solar Companies in Asheville, NC

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Asheville

The price and efficiency of solar panels often depend on the solar company that mounted them. Consider each of these elements in your business search.

Licensing and Training

A licensed electrical contractor in North Carolina may manage home solar photovoltaic installations in North Carolina if they have the relevant classification from the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar industry's most trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Asheville

The kind of solar panels you purchase determines how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.

If you want to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By choosing the right components, you can make your panel array more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar contractor includes these additional features, so look for a company that installs them if it's essential for you.

Generally speaking, it costs about $17,550 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Asheville. This table shows more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Asheville

Choosing the optimal financing plan will affect your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, leases, cash payments, and loans. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Much like an auto or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in specific circumstances. Look for contractors that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your wallet.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Asheville.

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy devices until the year 2032. City and state officials and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and specialized financing options that could save you more.