Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mount Carmel, TN (2024 Update)

  • Mount Carmel Solar Installation Cost: $20,018
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,605
  • Payback Period: 15.9 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

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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 Mount Carmel

See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Mount Carmel.

In Mount Carmel, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Mount Carmel homeowner needs a 8.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,018 with the federal tax credit, or $28,626 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Even with the large initial cost, the average Mount Carmel homeowner can save around $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a personalized quote.

Solar savings over time in Mount Carmel

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-18,633
3 years$-15,865
5 years$-13,096
7 years$-10,328
9 years$-7,559
11 years$-4,790
13 years$-2,022
15 years$747
17 years$3,515
19 years$6,284
21 years$9,053
23 years$11,821
25 years$14,590

Top Solar Installers in Mount Carmel

Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra effort and expertise. That's why most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, especially if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment you need.

Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

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 Mount Carmel

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mount Carmel

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Mount Carmel: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly 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. Because of that, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Mount Carmel, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Mount Carmel, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.72$15,637$8,04416.5 years
8 kW$3.65$20,449$11,12616.2 years
10 kW$3.58$25,060$14,40915.9 years
12 kW$3.51$29,471$17,89215.6 years
14 kW$3.44$33,681$21,57615.2 years
16 kW$3.37$37,690$25,46014.9 years
18 kW$3.29$41,499$29,54414.6 years
20 kW$3.22$45,108$33,82914.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands 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 system 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 the EcoWatch team.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you’d like to get plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
  • Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
  • Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.

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 Mount Carmel, TN Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mount Carmel?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Mount Carmel?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Mount Carmel, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Mount Carmel?

The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size 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.