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.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Jefferson City, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Jefferson City homeowner needs a 8.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,927 with the federal tax credit, or $28,496 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Jefferson City homeowner can save about $10,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Jefferson City that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
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 going solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar company since handling can be a challenging project. Another upside of going with a solar company is that they can help you maximize your ROI by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
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 near you:
See all of the solar companies in Jefferson City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jefferson City
For many Jefferson City homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Jefferson City, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.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 are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space 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 additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $-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 you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because 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 system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
EcoWatch's Jefferson City, TN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing 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 actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I 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.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Jefferson City, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide 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.