Solar Panel Cost Guide in Unicoi, TN (2023 Update)
- Unicoi Solar Installation Cost: $14,171
- 25-Year Savings: $21,642
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Unicoi
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Unicoi.
In Unicoi, solar panels cost about 2.49 per watt on average. The average Unicoi homeowner needs a 8.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,171 with the federal tax credit, or $20,265 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Unicoi depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Unicoi can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Unicoi, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Unicoi
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,738 |
| 3 years | $-9,873 |
| 5 years | $-7,008 |
| 7 years | $-4,143 |
| 9 years | $-1,278 |
| 11 years | $1,587 |
| 13 years | $4,452 |
| 15 years | $7,317 |
| 17 years | $10,182 |
| 19 years | $13,047 |
| 21 years | $15,912 |
| 23 years | $18,777 |
| 25 years | $21,642 |
Top Solar Installers in Unicoi
When going solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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
Though the average cost of a solar system in Unicoi is $14,171, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,490 per kilowatt in Unicoi. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Unicoi, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.59 | $10,876 | $15,553 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.54 | $14,223 | $21,016 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.49 | $17,430 | $26,619 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.44 | $20,498 | $32,361 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.39 | $23,426 | $38,243 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.34 | $26,215 | $44,264 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.29 | $28,864 | $50,424 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.24 | $31,374 | $56,724 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound 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 previous customers.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Unicoi?
The average cost of solar panels in Unicoi is about $12,450 for a 5-kW system and $24,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Unicoi?
Solar panels aren't free in Unicoi, 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.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.