Solar Panel Cost Guide in Elizabethton, TN (2025 Update)

  • Elizabethton Solar Installation Cost: $20,697
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,001
  • Payback Period: 14.6 Years

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By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Elizabethton

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Elizabethton.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Elizabethton, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average Elizabethton homeowner needs a 8.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,697 with the federal tax credit, or $29,597 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Elizabethton homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Elizabethton for a personalized quote.

Solar savings over time in Elizabethton

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-19,255
3 years$-16,371
5 years$-13,487
7 years$-10,603
9 years$-7,719
11 years$-4,835
13 years$-1,951
15 years$933
17 years$3,817
19 years$6,701
21 years$9,586
23 years$12,470
25 years$15,354

Top Solar Installers in Elizabethton

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

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See all of the solar companies in Elizabethton

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Elizabethton

The cost of installing a solar system in Elizabethton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production need 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 type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Elizabethton offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Elizabethton, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies 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 find 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 sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.72$15,637$10,07715.2 years
8 kW$3.65$20,449$13,83714.9 years
10 kW$3.58$25,060$17,79714.6 years
12 kW$3.51$29,471$21,95814.3 years
14 kW$3.44$33,681$26,31914.0 years
16 kW$3.37$37,690$30,88113.7 years
18 kW$3.29$41,499$35,64413.4 years
20 kW$3.22$45,108$40,60613.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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EcoWatch's Elizabethton, TN Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Elizabethton?

The average cost of solar panels in Elizabethton 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 certain factors 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 Elizabethton?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Elizabethton. 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 prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

How will having solar panels impact my property value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Elizabethton is currently $205,893, which means you can look forward to a value of about $8,442 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Elizabethton is a rewarding investment.

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 requires 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 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.

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.