Solar Panel Cost Guide in Nashville, NC (2025 Update)
- Nashville Solar Installation Cost: $17,327
- 25-Year Savings: $23,824
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Nashville
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Nashville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Nashville it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Nashville is around 7.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,327 for a solar installation, or $24,778 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 system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installation company in Nashville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Nashville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,856 |
| 3 years | $-12,914 |
| 5 years | $-9,972 |
| 7 years | $-7,030 |
| 9 years | $-4,088 |
| 11 years | $-1,145 |
| 13 years | $1,797 |
| 15 years | $4,739 |
| 17 years | $7,681 |
| 19 years | $10,623 |
| 21 years | $13,565 |
| 23 years | $16,508 |
| 25 years | $19,450 |
Top Solar Installers in Nashville
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your home.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Nashville, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Nashville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Nashville
There are several criteria that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel 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, your total will most likely increase by about $3,510. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Nashville average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Nashville provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall 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 putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Nashville, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting 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 | $3.65 | $15,332 | $15,606 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $21,200 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $26,992 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $32,980 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $39,165 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $45,546 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $52,124 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $58,898 | 10.7 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
EcoWatch's Nashville, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Nashville?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Nashville?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Nashville, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,031.24 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.