Solar Panel Cost Guide in Signal Mountain, TN (2024 Update)
- Signal Mountain Solar Installation Cost: $19,502
- 25-Year Savings: $9,865
- Payback Period: 20.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Signal Mountain
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Signal Mountain.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Signal Mountain, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.8-kW system would cost about $19,502 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $12,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Signal Mountain find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Signal Mountain
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,975 |
| 3 years | $-14,922 |
| 5 years | $-11,868 |
| 7 years | $-8,814 |
| 9 years | $-5,760 |
| 11 years | $-2,706 |
| 13 years | $348 |
| 15 years | $3,401 |
| 17 years | $6,455 |
| 19 years | $9,509 |
| 21 years | $12,563 |
| 23 years | $15,617 |
| 25 years | $18,670 |
Top Solar Installers in Signal Mountain
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Signal Mountain:
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 Signal Mountain
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Signal Mountain
The cost of installing a solar system in Signal Mountain can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest 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 panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,580. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Signal Mountain, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can impact how much it costs. Signal Mountain’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $2,426 | 21.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $3,636 | 21.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $5,046 | 20.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $6,657 | 20.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $8,468 | 20.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $10,480 | 19.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $12,692 | 19.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $15,105 | 18.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar energy system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
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 Signal Mountain, TN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Signal Mountain?
The average cost of solar panels in Signal Mountain is about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Signal Mountain?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
How will having 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 Signal Mountain is currently $543,123, which means you can expect a value of about $22,268 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Signal Mountain is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.