Solar Panel Cost Guide in Unicoi, TN (2024 Update)
- Unicoi Solar Installation Cost: $20,374
- 25-Year Savings: $21,642
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Unicoi
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Unicoi.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Unicoi, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Unicoi homeowner needs a 8.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,374 with the federal tax credit, or $29,135 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Unicoi homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $17,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Unicoi find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Unicoi for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Unicoi
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,932 |
| 3 years | $-16,048 |
| 5 years | $-13,164 |
| 7 years | $-10,280 |
| 9 years | $-7,396 |
| 11 years | $-4,511 |
| 13 years | $-1,627 |
| 15 years | $1,257 |
| 17 years | $4,141 |
| 19 years | $7,025 |
| 21 years | $9,909 |
| 23 years | $12,793 |
| 25 years | $15,677 |
Top Solar Installers in Unicoi
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra effort and know-how. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Unicoi:
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 Unicoi
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Unicoi
While the average cost of a solar system in Unicoi is $20,374, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,580.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Unicoi average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Unicoi to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
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 Unicoi is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $10,792 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $14,790 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $18,989 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $23,388 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $27,988 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $32,788 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $37,789 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $42,990 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity 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.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar panels, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure 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 Unicoi, TN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Unicoi?
The average cost of solar panels in Unicoi is about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff 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 without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Unicoi is currently $257,409, so you can expect a value of about $10,554 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Unicoi is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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.