Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cookeville, TN (2024 Update)
- Cookeville Solar Installation Cost: $20,377
- 25-Year Savings: $5,823
- Payback Period: 25.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cookeville
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Cookeville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Cookeville it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Cookeville is around 8.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,377 for a solar installation, or $29,139 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Cookeville homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $9,800 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Cookeville that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Cookeville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,189 |
| 3 years | $-16,814 |
| 5 years | $-14,438 |
| 7 years | $-12,063 |
| 9 years | $-9,687 |
| 11 years | $-7,312 |
| 13 years | $-4,936 |
| 15 years | $-2,560 |
| 17 years | $-185 |
| 19 years | $2,191 |
| 21 years | $4,566 |
| 23 years | $6,942 |
| 25 years | $9,318 |
Top Solar Installers in Cookeville
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance in the long run.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Cookeville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cookeville
While the average cost of a solar system in Cookeville is $20,377, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Cookeville, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,580 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Cookeville, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s wise to include 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 back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Cookeville, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has 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 | $3.72 | $15,637 | $-883 | 26.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $-776 | 26.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $-468 | 25.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $39 | 25.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $747 | 24.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $1,656 | 23.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $2,765 | 23.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $4,075 | 22.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Cookeville, TN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cookeville?
The average cost of solar panels in Cookeville is about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 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.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Cookeville?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Cookeville?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of 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.