Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kingsport, TN (2023 Update)
- Kingsport Solar Installation Cost: $14,085
- 25-Year Savings: $18,877
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kingsport
We break down average solar pricing in Kingsport.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Kingsport typically cost around 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.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Kingsport depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. With typical savings of about $16,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Kingsport find going solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Kingsport for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Kingsport
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,719 |
| 3 years | $-9,988 |
| 5 years | $-7,257 |
| 7 years | $-4,526 |
| 9 years | $-1,795 |
| 11 years | $936 |
| 13 years | $3,667 |
| 15 years | $6,398 |
| 17 years | $9,129 |
| 19 years | $11,860 |
| 21 years | $14,592 |
| 23 years | $17,323 |
| 25 years | $20,054 |
Top Solar Installers in Kingsport
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since installing solar panels on your own can be hard. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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
See all of the solar companies in Kingsport
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kingsport
The cost of installing a solar system in Kingsport can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,490. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Kingsport to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Kingsport, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and better 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 | $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
There are numerous companies to choose from in Kingsport, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- 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.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid 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.
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 Kingsport, TN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install 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 real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Kingsport?
You can't get solar panels for free in Kingsport. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although 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 replace them once you've had 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.