Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kingsport, TN (2024 Update)

  • Kingsport Solar Installation Cost: $20,250
  • 25-Year Savings: $18,877
  • Payback Period: 15.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kingsport

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Kingsport.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Kingsport, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Kingsport, most homeowners require a 8.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $20,250, or $28,958 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Kingsport can save around $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Kingsport for a customized quote.

Solar savings over time in Kingsport

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-18,885
3 years$-16,154
5 years$-13,423
7 years$-10,692
9 years$-7,961
11 years$-5,229
13 years$-2,498
15 years$233
17 years$2,964
19 years$5,695
21 years$8,426
23 years$11,157
25 years$13,888

Top Solar Installers in Kingsport

Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and knowledge. Because of that, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Kingsport, optimizing your ROI.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Kingsport: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Kingsport, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,580 for each additional kilowatt you need.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 be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking 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

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Kingsport homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Kingsport homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you select will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.72$15,637$8,83716.0 years
8 kW$3.65$20,449$12,18315.7 years
10 kW$3.58$25,060$15,73015.4 years
12 kW$3.51$29,471$19,47815.1 years
14 kW$3.44$33,681$23,42614.7 years
16 kW$3.37$37,690$27,57414.4 years
18 kW$3.29$41,499$31,92314.1 years
20 kW$3.22$45,108$36,47213.8 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:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Kingsport?

The average cost of solar panels in Kingsport 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 certain factors such as the type 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?

Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places 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.

How will solar panels impact the value of my home?

Solar panels can increase your property’s value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."

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 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.