Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tullahoma, TN (2024 Update)
- Tullahoma Solar Installation Cost: $19,920
- 25-Year Savings: $19,198
- Payback Period: 25.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tullahoma
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Tullahoma.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Tullahoma generally cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 7.9-kW system would cost about $19,920 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Tullahoma homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $10,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Tullahoma find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Tullahoma
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,356 |
| 3 years | $-15,226 |
| 5 years | $-12,097 |
| 7 years | $-8,967 |
| 9 years | $-5,838 |
| 11 years | $-2,708 |
| 13 years | $421 |
| 15 years | $3,551 |
| 17 years | $6,680 |
| 19 years | $9,810 |
| 21 years | $12,939 |
| 23 years | $16,069 |
| 25 years | $19,198 |
Top Solar Installers in Tullahoma
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to use a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Tullahoma
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tullahoma
There are a number of factors that can determine your solar panel 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
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,580. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Tullahoma to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.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
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Tullahoma is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $-699 | 26.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $-531 | 25.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $-163 | 25.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $406 | 24.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $1,176 | 24.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $2,145 | 23.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $3,316 | 23.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $4,687 | 22.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable 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.
- Contract: It’s important to read through 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 cost.
- 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 installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
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 Tullahoma, TN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Tullahoma?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 other solar equipment or higher quality 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 cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Tullahoma have a net metering program?
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 offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How long do solar panels last in Tullahoma?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.