Solar Panel Cost Guide in Goodlettsville, TN (2024 Update)
- Goodlettsville Solar Installation Cost: $20,057
- 25-Year Savings: $6,648
- Payback Period: 24.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Goodlettsville
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Goodlettsville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Goodlettsville it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Goodlettsville, most homeowners require a 8.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $20,057, or $28,682 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Goodlettsville homeowners see about $10,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Goodlettsville that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Goodlettsville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,408 |
| 3 years | $-15,110 |
| 5 years | $-11,813 |
| 7 years | $-8,515 |
| 9 years | $-5,217 |
| 11 years | $-1,919 |
| 13 years | $1,379 |
| 15 years | $4,677 |
| 17 years | $7,975 |
| 19 years | $11,273 |
| 21 years | $14,571 |
| 23 years | $17,868 |
| 25 years | $21,166 |
Top Solar Installers in Goodlettsville
When going solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Goodlettsville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Goodlettsville
The cost of installing a solar system in Goodlettsville can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Goodlettsville, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,580 for each additional kilowatt you need.The 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Goodlettsville average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Goodlettsville to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Goodlettsville, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within 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 | $-196 | 25.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $140 | 24.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $676 | 24.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $1,413 | 23.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $2,350 | 23.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $3,488 | 22.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $4,826 | 22.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $6,364 | 21.9 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
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 Goodlettsville, TN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Goodlettsville?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 extra 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 cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Goodlettsville have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.