Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jefferson City, TN (2024 Update)
- Jefferson City Solar Installation Cost: $19,927
- 25-Year Savings: $6,663
- Payback Period: 24.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jefferson City
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Jefferson City.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Jefferson City typically cost around 4.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Jefferson City, most homeowners require a 8.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $19,927, or $28,496 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.With average savings of about $10,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Jefferson City find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Jefferson City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,313 |
| 3 years | $-15,086 |
| 5 years | $-11,858 |
| 7 years | $-8,631 |
| 9 years | $-5,404 |
| 11 years | $-2,176 |
| 13 years | $1,051 |
| 15 years | $4,278 |
| 17 years | $7,505 |
| 19 years | $10,733 |
| 21 years | $13,960 |
| 23 years | $17,187 |
| 25 years | $20,415 |
Top Solar Installers in Jefferson City
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Another advantage of using a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 Jefferson City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jefferson City
There are several factors that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,580. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Jefferson City have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Jefferson City homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $-152 | 25.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $199 | 24.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $749 | 24.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $1,501 | 23.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $2,453 | 23.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $3,605 | 22.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $4,958 | 22.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $6,511 | 21.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar panels, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
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 Jefferson City, TN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Jefferson City?
The average cost of solar panels in Jefferson City is about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Jefferson City?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $516.19 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.