Solar Panel Cost Guide in Etowah, TN (2025 Update)
- Etowah Solar Installation Cost: $19,713
- 25-Year Savings: $13,438
- Payback Period: 18.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Etowah
We break down average solar pricing in Etowah.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Etowah it’s 4 per watt.Because a 7.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Etowah, the average price of going solar will be about $19,713 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Etowah based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Etowah homeowner can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Etowah
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,921 |
| 3 years | $-14,338 |
| 5 years | $-10,755 |
| 7 years | $-7,172 |
| 9 years | $-3,588 |
| 11 years | $-5 |
| 13 years | $3,578 |
| 15 years | $7,161 |
| 17 years | $10,745 |
| 19 years | $14,328 |
| 21 years | $17,911 |
| 23 years | $21,494 |
| 25 years | $25,078 |
Top Solar Installers in Etowah
Installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Etowah, optimizing your ROI.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Etowah:
See all of the solar companies in Etowah
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Etowah
The cost of installing a solar system in Etowah can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on 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
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Etowah, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,580 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Etowah, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited 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 Etowah to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Etowah, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $5,070 | 18.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $7,161 | 18.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $9,453 | 18.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $11,945 | 17.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $14,637 | 17.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $17,530 | 17.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $20,624 | 16.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $23,918 | 16.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you’d like to install plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
EcoWatch's Etowah, TN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Etowah?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Etowah is currently $185,583, which means you can expect a value of about $7,609 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Etowah is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Etowah?
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 larger 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.