Solar Panel Cost Guide in La Follette, TN (2024 Update)
- La Follette Solar Installation Cost: $20,188
- 25-Year Savings: $7,302
- Payback Period: 23.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in La Follette
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in La Follette.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in La Follette it’s 4 per watt.The average La Follette homeowner needs a 8.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,188 with the federal tax credit, or $28,869 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in La Follette depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average La Follette homeowners see about $11,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in La Follette
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,574 |
| 3 years | $-15,347 |
| 5 years | $-12,119 |
| 7 years | $-8,891 |
| 9 years | $-5,663 |
| 11 years | $-2,435 |
| 13 years | $793 |
| 15 years | $4,021 |
| 17 years | $7,249 |
| 19 years | $10,477 |
| 21 years | $13,705 |
| 23 years | $16,932 |
| 25 years | $20,160 |
Top Solar Installers in La Follette
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 La Follette
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in La Follette
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in La Follette: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,580 per kilowatt in La Follette.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. 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
Most solar installers in La Follette have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for La Follette homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in La Follette know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $259 | 24.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $746 | 24.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $1,434 | 23.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $2,323 | 23.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $3,411 | 22.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $4,701 | 22.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $6,190 | 21.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $7,881 | 21.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in La Follette, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panels, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
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 La Follette, TN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in La Follette?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in La Follette?
Solar panels aren’t free in La Follette, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is it worth going solar in La Follette?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power 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 generally 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.