Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sweetwater, TN (2024 Update)
- Sweetwater Solar Installation Cost: $19,877
- 25-Year Savings: $15,240
- Payback Period: 17.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sweetwater
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Sweetwater.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sweetwater, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.9-kW system would cost about $19,877 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Sweetwater homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Sweetwater
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,086 |
| 3 years | $-14,502 |
| 5 years | $-10,919 |
| 7 years | $-7,336 |
| 9 years | $-3,753 |
| 11 years | $-169 |
| 13 years | $3,414 |
| 15 years | $6,997 |
| 17 years | $10,580 |
| 19 years | $14,164 |
| 21 years | $17,747 |
| 23 years | $21,330 |
| 25 years | $24,913 |
Top Solar Installers in Sweetwater
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Another great thing about using a reliable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Sweetwater
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sweetwater
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Sweetwater: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
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 crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Sweetwater, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.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 how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Sweetwater, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Sweetwater know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $6,349 | 17.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $8,866 | 17.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $11,584 | 17.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $14,502 | 16.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $17,620 | 16.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $20,940 | 16.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $24,459 | 15.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $28,179 | 15.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Sweetwater, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
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 Sweetwater, TN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sweetwater?
This is a hard 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Sweetwater?
Solar panels aren’t free in Sweetwater, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Sweetwater is currently $234,977, which means you could be looking at a value of about $9,634 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Sweetwater is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.