Solar Panel Cost Guide in Erwin, TN (2023 Update)
- Erwin Solar Installation Cost: $14,171
- 25-Year Savings: $23,103
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Erwin
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Erwin.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Erwin, the average cost of solar panels is 2.49 per watt. Because a 8.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Erwin, the average price of going solar will be about $14,171 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Erwin, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Erwin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,680 |
| 3 years | $-9,698 |
| 5 years | $-6,716 |
| 7 years | $-3,734 |
| 9 years | $-752 |
| 11 years | $2,230 |
| 13 years | $5,212 |
| 15 years | $8,194 |
| 17 years | $11,176 |
| 19 years | $14,158 |
| 21 years | $17,140 |
| 23 years | $20,121 |
| 25 years | $23,103 |
Top Solar Installers in Erwin
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a challenging project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, especially if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Erwin:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Erwin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Erwin
For many Erwin homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Erwin, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Erwin average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.59 | $10,876 | $16,632 | 9.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.54 | $14,223 | $22,455 | 9.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.49 | $17,430 | $28,417 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.44 | $20,498 | $34,518 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.39 | $23,426 | $40,760 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.34 | $26,215 | $47,140 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.29 | $28,864 | $53,660 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.24 | $31,374 | $60,320 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Erwin, TN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Erwin?
The average cost of solar panels in Erwin is about $12,450 for a 5-kW system and $24,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Erwin?
You can't get solar panels for free in Erwin. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Erwin?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Erwin?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.