Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Cleveland, TN (2024 Update)
- South Cleveland Solar Installation Cost: $19,618
- 25-Year Savings: $11,342
- Payback Period: 19.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Cleveland
We break down average solar pricing in South Cleveland.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in South Cleveland it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.8-kW system would cost about $19,618 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of South Cleveland homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in South Cleveland that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in South Cleveland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,091 |
| 3 years | $-15,037 |
| 5 years | $-11,983 |
| 7 years | $-8,930 |
| 9 years | $-5,876 |
| 11 years | $-2,822 |
| 13 years | $232 |
| 15 years | $3,286 |
| 17 years | $6,339 |
| 19 years | $9,393 |
| 21 years | $12,447 |
| 23 years | $15,501 |
| 25 years | $18,555 |
Top Solar Installers in South Cleveland
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in South Cleveland:
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 South Cleveland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Cleveland
There are a number of factors that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like South Cleveland, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in South Cleveland, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can impact your pricing. South Cleveland’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in South Cleveland know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $3,514 | 20.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $5,086 | 20.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $6,858 | 19.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $8,831 | 19.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $11,005 | 18.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $13,379 | 18.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $15,954 | 18.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $18,729 | 17.7 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 brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 South Cleveland, TN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in South Cleveland?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in South Cleveland?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to 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 savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in South Cleveland?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.