Solar Panel Cost Guide in Knoxville, IA (2025 Update)
- Knoxville Solar Installation Cost: $26,690
- 25-Year Savings: $25,334
- Payback Period: 15.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Knoxville
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Knoxville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Knoxville it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 9.5-kW system would cost about $26,690 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $17,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Knoxville for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Knoxville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,622 |
| 3 years | $-23,486 |
| 5 years | $-21,350 |
| 7 years | $-19,214 |
| 9 years | $-17,079 |
| 11 years | $-14,943 |
| 13 years | $-12,807 |
| 15 years | $-10,671 |
| 17 years | $-8,535 |
| 19 years | $-6,400 |
| 21 years | $-4,264 |
| 23 years | $-2,128 |
| 25 years | $8 |
Top Solar Installers in Knoxville
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Another advantage of using a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your return of investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
See all of the solar companies in Knoxville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Knoxville
There are a number of factors that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
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 nearly $4,010. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Knoxville, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Knoxville, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Knoxville is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 go with the company that offers 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 | $4.17 | $17,516 | $10,105 | 15.9 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $13,922 | 15.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $17,964 | 15.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $22,230 | 14.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $26,721 | 14.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $31,437 | 14.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $36,377 | 14.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $41,542 | 13.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
EcoWatch's Knoxville, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Knoxville?
The average cost of solar panels in Knoxville is about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Knoxville?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.