Solar Panel Cost Guide in Athens, TN (2025 Update)
- Athens Solar Installation Cost: $19,713
- 25-Year Savings: $7,635
- Payback Period: 23.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Athens
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Athens.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Athens, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.9-kW system would cost about $19,713 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you may look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Athens homeowner can save around $11,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Athens
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,275 |
| 3 years | $-15,400 |
| 5 years | $-12,524 |
| 7 years | $-9,648 |
| 9 years | $-6,773 |
| 11 years | $-3,897 |
| 13 years | $-1,022 |
| 15 years | $1,854 |
| 17 years | $4,729 |
| 19 years | $7,605 |
| 21 years | $10,480 |
| 23 years | $13,356 |
| 25 years | $16,232 |
Top Solar Installers in Athens
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Athens, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Athens
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Athens
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Athens is $19,713, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, 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 $3,580. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Athens homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panels can influence the cost. Athens’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.72 | $15,637 | $644 | 24.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $1,259 | 23.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $2,075 | 23.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $3,092 | 22.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $4,309 | 22.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $5,726 | 21.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $7,344 | 21.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $9,162 | 20.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification 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.
EcoWatch's Athens, TN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Athens?
The average cost of solar panels in Athens is about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Athens?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Athens. However, you may still be able to install 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.
How will installing 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 go for 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 usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 buy 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.