Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pigeon Forge, TN (2024 Update)
- Pigeon Forge Solar Installation Cost: $20,283
- 25-Year Savings: $7,765
- Payback Period: 23.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pigeon Forge
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Pigeon Forge.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Pigeon Forge, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average Pigeon Forge homeowner needs a 8.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,283 with the federal tax credit, or $29,005 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Pigeon Forge homeowner can save around $11,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Pigeon Forge for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Pigeon Forge
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,765 |
| 3 years | $-15,728 |
| 5 years | $-12,691 |
| 7 years | $-9,654 |
| 9 years | $-6,617 |
| 11 years | $-3,581 |
| 13 years | $-544 |
| 15 years | $2,493 |
| 17 years | $5,530 |
| 19 years | $8,567 |
| 21 years | $11,604 |
| 23 years | $14,641 |
| 25 years | $17,677 |
Top Solar Installers in Pigeon Forge
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, especially if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Pigeon Forge
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pigeon Forge
For many Pigeon Forge homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Pigeon Forge, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production need 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 $3,580.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just 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 energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Pigeon Forge homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company 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 larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $576 | 24.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $1,169 | 23.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $1,963 | 23.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $2,957 | 22.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $4,151 | 22.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $5,546 | 21.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $7,142 | 21.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $8,938 | 20.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar energy system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Well-established companies 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 adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Pigeon Forge, TN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pigeon Forge?
This is a difficult 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Pigeon Forge?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Pigeon Forge. 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’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Pigeon Forge is currently $467,175, so you could be looking at a value of about $19,154 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Pigeon Forge is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.