Solar Power in Asheville

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville enjoys ample sunshine to power homes with solar energy. With North Carolina electricity prices climbing 24% from 2020 to 2024, more local homeowners are looking for a smarter, more predictable way to manage their energy costs.

Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or ready to take the next step, this guide walks you through the essentials of solar installation in Asheville, including a helpful overview of home solar panels.

NORTH CAROLINA by the Numbers

• 18th Most residential solar in the United States
• 51 Households have installed solar panels
• 5.2 Avg peak sun hours per day
• ~$65k Asheville average savings over 25 years

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Asheville, NC?

See real solar costs for Asheville homes—not estimates. This calculator uses actual installation data from our projects across Asheville and nearby areas like West Asheville, Arden, Fletcher, Weaverville, and Black Mountain. Enter your details to get a clear, local picture of what solar could look like for your home.

System Size

t This system size is designed to offset approximately 100% of the average electricity usage for a home of this size in North Carolina.

Recommended System

System: 8.92 kW

Your Monthly Payment

Estimated monthly cost with LightReach

$103/mo

• No upfront investment
• Palmetto handles all maintenance
• 90% Production Guarantee
• Comprehensive protection program included

Cost Breakdown

Your estimated investment

• System Cost: $24,802
• Price per Watt: $2.78
• Final Cost: $24,802

Savings

Your total financial benefit

• Monthly Savings: Average utility bill reduction
  $149
• Payback Period: Break-even point
  11.6 years
• 25-Year Savings: $65,152

Palmetto Reviews

1. My sales rep Stephen was great! He took his time explaining the process and details about solar energy and answering all my questions. My contact person Lou with Palmetto was always in contact with me on what was going on and kept me updated. The install team was just as great and friendly.
   - Tracey Corn, Swannanoa, North Carolina

2. The process from beginning to the end of having our system installed was nothing but great! They answered all questions and were willing to update on everything that was going on during the process. It’s been a couple of months now since we’ve had the system installed and can tell a huge difference in our energy bill already.
   - Zachery Umphrey, North Carolina

3. I had an excellent experience. From the salesman answering all of my questions, to the wonderful installers. Palmetto was honest throughout the entire solar installation process and the rest of my experience was fantastic.
   - Joseph Capozzi, Tryon, North Carolina

Key Takeaways

• Asheville enjoys 5.2 peak sun hours per day, giving homeowners in the Blue Ridge Mountains plenty of sunshine to power their homes with solar year-round.
• North Carolina electricity prices rose about 25% from 2021 to 2024, so solar can help Asheville homeowners lock in more predictable, stable energy costs.
• Local incentives can lower your costs, including a 100% property tax exemption on added home value, net metering, and Asheville’s solar permit fee rebate.

Asheville Electricity Prices

Understanding the cost of electricity in Asheville is a smart first step before exploring solar installation for your home.

Electricity prices in North Carolina have climbed steadily, rising from 11.3 cents per kWh in 2021 to 14.1 cents per kWh in 2024. That’s a roughly 25% increase in just three years for Asheville homeowners.

Solar panel installation offers a way to manage these rising costs. By generating your own power, you rely less on the grid and gain a more predictable handle on your monthly energy bills.

Price of Energy: North Carolina vs National Average

North Carolina Solar Incentives

While Asheville homeowners weigh solar, several solar incentives in North Carolina can help offset installation costs at the state and local level.

Asheville Solar Irradiance

Solar panel production varies throughout the year based on daylight hours, weather patterns, and sun intensity.

Solar Production in Asheville by Month

System Size: 5 kW, 7 kW, 10 kW

What Can Your Solar System Power?

Summer Production (July)

In July, your 10 kW system could power:

• 3.0 average homes
• or Run central AC for 14 hours
• or Fully charge 4.5 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles

Winter Production (December)

In December, your 10 kW system could power:

• 1.8 average homes
• or Keep your home heating system running for 13 hours
• or Fully charge 2.8 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles

Annual Production

Over a year, your 10 kW system could:

• Offset 10 tons of carbon dioxide emissions
• or Equal the environmental benefit of planting 170 trees

Solar Panel Systems in Asheville

We’ve mapped solar installations across the United States, right down to the address level. Explore our interactive heatmap to see how many neighbors in Asheville, NC have switched to solar.

Leasing Solar Panels

In Asheville, most homes are served by Duke Energy Carolinas or Duke Energy Progress, and both offer a solar lease option. With a lease, you pay a fixed monthly amount based on your system’s estimated yearly production, rather than a per-kilowatt-hour rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Asheville, NC have net metering?
   Yes, Asheville homeowners are served by Duke Energy, which offers solar export programs for customers who send extra power to the grid.

2. Do solar panels increase your home value in Asheville, NC?
   Yes, solar panels can increase your home’s value in Asheville when you own the system.

3. How much does it cost to go solar in Asheville, NC?
   With Palmetto’s LightReach lease, prices typically range from about $19,000 to $32,000 for a cash purchase.

4. What’s the best solar company in Asheville, NC?
   Choosing a solar company comes down to experience, quality installations, and flexible financing.

5. Do solar panels require maintenance in Asheville, NC?
   Solar panels are low maintenance and typically need only occasional cleaning.

6. Does solar make sense in Asheville, NC?
   Yes, solar makes sense given the average peak sun hours and rising electricity prices.