Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bristol, TN (2025 Update)
- Bristol Solar Installation Cost: $20,489
- 25-Year Savings: $18,472
- Payback Period: 15.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bristol
See how much it might cost to go solar in Bristol.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bristol it’s 4 per watt.Because a 8.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Bristol, the average price of going solar will be about $20,489 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Bristol homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Bristol homeowner can save around $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Bristol, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bristol
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,401 |
| 3 years | $-17,224 |
| 5 years | $-15,048 |
| 7 years | $-12,872 |
| 9 years | $-10,695 |
| 11 years | $-8,519 |
| 13 years | $-6,343 |
| 15 years | $-4,167 |
| 17 years | $-1,990 |
| 19 years | $186 |
| 21 years | $2,362 |
| 23 years | $4,539 |
| 25 years | $6,715 |
Top Solar Installers in Bristol
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but working with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
See all of the solar companies in Bristol
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bristol
For many Bristol homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Bristol, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,580.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Bristol homeowners, they can also increase 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
The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Bristol, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $3.72 | $15,637 | $8,376 | 16.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $11,570 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $14,963 | 15.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $18,557 | 15.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $22,352 | 15.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $26,347 | 14.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $30,542 | 14.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $34,938 | 14.1 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 companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
EcoWatch's Bristol, TN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bristol?
The average cost of solar panels in Bristol 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 stuff 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 Bristol?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably 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 a solar system."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.