Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bristol, TN (2023 Update)
- Bristol Solar Installation Cost: $14,258
- 25-Year Savings: $18,465
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bristol
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Bristol.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bristol, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.49 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Bristol, most homeowners require a 8.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $14,258, or $20,389 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. Despite the large initial cost, the average Bristol homeowner can save around $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bristol
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,949 |
| 3 years | $-10,331 |
| 5 years | $-7,713 |
| 7 years | $-5,095 |
| 9 years | $-2,478 |
| 11 years | $140 |
| 13 years | $2,758 |
| 15 years | $5,376 |
| 17 years | $7,994 |
| 19 years | $10,611 |
| 21 years | $13,229 |
| 23 years | $15,847 |
| 25 years | $18,465 |
Top Solar Installers in Bristol
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra time and know-how. That's why most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your family.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Bristol
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bristol
There are many 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 panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Bristol, 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 consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,490 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Bristol, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can play a part in determining how much you pay. Bristol's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that 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 choose a 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 | $2.59 | $10,876 | $13,138 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.54 | $14,223 | $17,796 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.49 | $17,430 | $22,593 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.44 | $20,498 | $27,530 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.39 | $23,426 | $32,606 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.34 | $26,215 | $37,822 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.29 | $28,864 | $43,178 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.24 | $31,374 | $48,672 | 9.8 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:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Bristol, TN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bristol?
The average cost of solar panels in Bristol is about $12,450 for a 5-kW system and $24,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Bristol?
Solar panels aren't free in Bristol, 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 you can take advantage of.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home 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 solar panels."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having 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.
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.