Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kingsport, TN (Mar 2023)
- Kingsport Solar Installation Cost: $14,083
- 25-Year Savings: $18,878
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kingsport
We break down average solar pricing in Kingsport.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Kingsport generally cost about 2.49. The average solar panel system size in Kingsport is around 8.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,083 for a solar installation, or $20,139 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Kingsport
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,765 |
| 3 years | $-10,128 |
| 5 years | $-7,491 |
| 7 years | $-4,854 |
| 9 years | $-2,217 |
| 11 years | $420 |
| 13 years | $3,057 |
| 15 years | $5,694 |
| 17 years | $8,331 |
| 19 years | $10,967 |
| 21 years | $13,604 |
| 23 years | $16,241 |
| 25 years | $18,878 |
Top Solar Installers in Kingsport
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Kingsport
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kingsport
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Kingsport: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,490. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Kingsport average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Kingsport to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.59 | $10,876 | $13,598 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.54 | $14,223 | $18,409 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.49 | $17,430 | $23,360 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.44 | $20,498 | $28,450 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.39 | $23,426 | $33,680 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.34 | $26,215 | $39,049 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.29 | $28,864 | $44,558 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.24 | $31,374 | $50,206 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar panels, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Kingsport, TN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Kingsport?
The average cost of solar panels in Kingsport is about $12,450 for a 5-kW system and $24,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Kingsport, 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.