Solar Panel Cost Guide in Elizabethton, TN (2024 Update)
- Elizabethton Solar Installation Cost: $20,697
- 25-Year Savings: $21,001
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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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.Because a 8.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Elizabethton, the average price of going solar will be about $20,697 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Elizabethton homeowner can save around $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Elizabethton
| Year | Return 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
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 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 depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, 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 most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,580.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Elizabethton average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Elizabethton homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Elizabethton, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $10,077 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $13,837 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $17,797 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $21,958 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $26,319 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $30,881 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $35,644 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $40,606 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
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 Elizabethton, TN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Elizabethton?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Elizabethton?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Elizabethton. However, you may still be able to install 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 home 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, so you can expect a value of about $8,442 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Elizabethton is a fruitful investment.
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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.