Solar Panel Cost Guide in Unicoi, TN (2025 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.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Unicoi, most homeowners require a 8.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $20,374, or $29,135 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Unicoi can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installation company in Unicoi, you can click the button below.
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 it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra labor and knowledge. For that reason, most people choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Unicoi
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Unicoi
Although the average cost of a solar system in Unicoi is $20,374, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Unicoi, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,580 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Unicoi, 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Unicoi to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.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 can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Unicoi, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Unicoi have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $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
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
EcoWatch's Unicoi, TN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Unicoi?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 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 choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
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 fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know 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 home 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.