Solar Panel Cost Guide in Nashville, AR (2023 Update)
- Nashville Solar Installation Cost: $15,006
- 25-Year Savings: $24,131
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Nashville
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Nashville.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Nashville generally cost around 2.54. Because a 8.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Nashville, the average price of going solar will be about $15,006 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of going solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Nashville homeowner can save around $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Nashville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,441 |
| 3 years | $-10,310 |
| 5 years | $-7,179 |
| 7 years | $-4,048 |
| 9 years | $-917 |
| 11 years | $2,214 |
| 13 years | $5,345 |
| 15 years | $8,476 |
| 17 years | $11,607 |
| 19 years | $14,738 |
| 21 years | $17,869 |
| 23 years | $21,000 |
| 25 years | $24,131 |
Top Solar Installers in Nashville
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a challenging task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Nashville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Nashville
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Nashville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,540 per kilowatt in Nashville. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Nashville to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Nashville is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.64 | $11,095 | $16,728 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $22,589 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $28,592 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $34,737 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $41,024 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $47,454 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $54,026 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $60,740 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you'd like to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Nashville, AR Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Nashville?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Nashville?
You can't get solar panels for free in Nashville. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
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 Nashville is currently $107,700, so you could be looking at a value of about $4,416 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Nashville is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Nashville?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.