Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chattanooga Valley, GA (2023 Update)
- Chattanooga Valley Solar Installation Cost: $12,500
- 25-Year Savings: $18,711
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chattanooga Valley
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Chattanooga Valley.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Chattanooga Valley generally cost about 2.55. Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $12,495 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Chattanooga Valley can save about $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Chattanooga Valley, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chattanooga Valley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,396 |
| 3 years | $-12,188 |
| 5 years | $-11,980 |
| 7 years | $-11,772 |
| 9 years | $-11,564 |
| 11 years | $-11,356 |
| 13 years | $-11,148 |
| 15 years | $-10,939 |
| 17 years | $-10,731 |
| 19 years | $-10,523 |
| 21 years | $-10,315 |
| 23 years | $-10,107 |
| 25 years | $-9,899 |
Top Solar Installers in Chattanooga Valley
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but working 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.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Chattanooga Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chattanooga Valley
Although the average cost of a solar system in Chattanooga Valley is $12,495, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Chattanooga Valley, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Chattanooga Valley is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.65 | $11,138 | $15,603 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $21,089 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $26,719 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $32,491 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $38,406 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $44,464 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $50,664 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $57,008 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Chattanooga Valley, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chattanooga Valley?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 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 needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Chattanooga Valley?
You can't get solar panels for free in Chattanooga Valley. 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 rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.