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.
The average cost of a solar system in Signal Mountain is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Signal Mountain is around 7.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,502 for a solar installation, or $27,888 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.With average savings of about $12,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Signal Mountain find investing in solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Signal Mountain for a quote for your home.
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 an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. 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 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 is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking 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 power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Signal Mountain homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.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 can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Signal Mountain, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Signal Mountain have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about 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 | $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 many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- 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.
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 Signal Mountain, TN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Signal Mountain?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I 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 can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property 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 installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
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 a solar system."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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 install 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.