Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chattanooga Valley, GA (Jan 2023)
- Chattanooga Valley Solar Installation Cost: $12,495
- 25-Year Savings: $18,716
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chattanooga Valley
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Chattanooga Valley.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Chattanooga Valley is $3 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.0 would cost about $12,495 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $17,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Chattanooga Valley find investing in solar can pay off big.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Chattanooga Valley, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chattanooga Valley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,247 |
| 3 years | $-8,750 |
| 5 years | $-6,253 |
| 7 years | $-3,756 |
| 9 years | $-1,259 |
| 11 years | $1,238 |
| 13 years | $3,735 |
| 15 years | $6,232 |
| 17 years | $8,728 |
| 19 years | $11,225 |
| 21 years | $13,722 |
| 23 years | $16,219 |
| 25 years | $18,716 |
Top Solar Installers in Chattanooga Valley
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Chattanooga Valley, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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
There are many criteria that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,550. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than 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 looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Chattanooga Valley to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Chattanooga Valley, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Chattanooga Valley are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Chattanooga Valley have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.