Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dickson, TN (2024 Update)
- Dickson Solar Installation Cost: $19,823
- 25-Year Savings: $7,676
- Payback Period: 23.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dickson
We go over average solar pricing in Dickson.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Dickson it’s 4 per watt.Since a 7.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Dickson, the average price of going solar will be about $19,823 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Dickson based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With typical savings of about $11,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Dickson find investing in solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Dickson that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Dickson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,382 |
| 3 years | $-15,499 |
| 5 years | $-12,617 |
| 7 years | $-9,734 |
| 9 years | $-6,851 |
| 11 years | $-3,969 |
| 13 years | $-1,086 |
| 15 years | $1,796 |
| 17 years | $4,679 |
| 19 years | $7,561 |
| 21 years | $10,444 |
| 23 years | $13,327 |
| 25 years | $16,209 |
Top Solar Installers in Dickson
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Dickson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dickson
There are many factors that can influence your total 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
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, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,580. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 limited roof space 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 additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Dickson homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Dickson 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 make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Dickson is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Additionally, some companies in Dickson are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $642 | 24.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $1,258 | 23.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $2,073 | 23.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $3,089 | 22.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $4,306 | 22.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $5,723 | 21.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $7,340 | 21.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $9,158 | 20.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Dickson, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- 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 significant role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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 Dickson, TN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dickson?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Dickson?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Dickson. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Dickson have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.
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.