Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dunlap, TN (2024 Update)
- Dunlap Solar Installation Cost: $19,809
- 25-Year Savings: $12,880
- Payback Period: 18.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dunlap
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Dunlap.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Dunlap it’s 4 per watt.Since a 7.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Dunlap, the average price of going solar will be about $19,809 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Dunlap depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $13,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Dunlap, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dunlap
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,186 |
| 3 years | $-14,940 |
| 5 years | $-11,694 |
| 7 years | $-8,448 |
| 9 years | $-5,202 |
| 11 years | $-1,956 |
| 13 years | $1,290 |
| 15 years | $4,536 |
| 17 years | $7,782 |
| 19 years | $11,028 |
| 21 years | $14,274 |
| 23 years | $17,520 |
| 25 years | $20,766 |
Top Solar Installers in Dunlap
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Dunlap, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Dunlap
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dunlap
The cost of installing a solar system in Dunlap can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Dunlap, 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Dunlap to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Dunlap, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $4,597 | 19.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $6,530 | 18.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $8,664 | 18.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $10,998 | 18.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $13,533 | 17.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $16,268 | 17.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $19,204 | 17.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $22,340 | 16.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Dunlap, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although 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 ask for their list of options before making your decision.
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 Dunlap, TN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dunlap?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Dunlap?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 option if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Dunlap?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.