Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gatlinburg, TN (2024 Update)
- Gatlinburg Solar Installation Cost: $20,283
- 25-Year Savings: $11,507
- Payback Period: 19.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gatlinburg
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Gatlinburg.
In Gatlinburg, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 8.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Gatlinburg, the average price of going solar will be about $20,283 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Gatlinburg, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gatlinburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,764 |
| 3 years | $-15,726 |
| 5 years | $-12,687 |
| 7 years | $-9,649 |
| 9 years | $-6,610 |
| 11 years | $-3,572 |
| 13 years | $-533 |
| 15 years | $2,505 |
| 17 years | $5,544 |
| 19 years | $8,582 |
| 21 years | $11,620 |
| 23 years | $14,659 |
| 25 years | $17,697 |
Top Solar Installers in Gatlinburg
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra time and know-how. That's why almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Gatlinburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gatlinburg
For many Gatlinburg homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Gatlinburg, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,580 per kilowatt in Gatlinburg.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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 over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Gatlinburg average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Gatlinburg homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Gatlinburg, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $3,351 | 20.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $4,869 | 20.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $6,587 | 19.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $8,506 | 19.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $10,625 | 19.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $12,945 | 18.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $15,465 | 18.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $18,186 | 17.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will influence 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 a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- 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 considerable role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion 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 Gatlinburg, TN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gatlinburg?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, 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 higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Gatlinburg?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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.