Solar Panel Cost Guide in Smithville, TN (2024 Update)
- Smithville Solar Installation Cost: $20,168
- 25-Year Savings: $13,669
- Payback Period: 18.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Smithville
See how much it might cost to go solar in Smithville.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Smithville, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Smithville is around 8.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,168 for a solar installation, or $28,840 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Smithville for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Smithville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,545 |
| 3 years | $-15,299 |
| 5 years | $-12,053 |
| 7 years | $-8,807 |
| 9 years | $-5,561 |
| 11 years | $-2,315 |
| 13 years | $931 |
| 15 years | $4,177 |
| 17 years | $7,423 |
| 19 years | $10,669 |
| 21 years | $13,915 |
| 23 years | $17,161 |
| 25 years | $20,407 |
Top Solar Installers in Smithville
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar panel 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 run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a vetted solar installer 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 Smithville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Smithville
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Smithville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Smithville, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,580 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Smithville, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited 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
Most solar installers in Smithville offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Smithville, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $5,011 | 18.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $7,082 | 18.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $9,354 | 18.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $11,826 | 17.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $14,499 | 17.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $17,372 | 17.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $20,445 | 16.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $23,719 | 16.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many 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:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
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 Smithville, TN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Smithville?
The average cost of solar panels in Smithville 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Smithville have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy 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?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.