Solar Panel Cost Guide in Winchester, TN (2024 Update)
- Winchester Solar Installation Cost: $19,838
- 25-Year Savings: $9,481
- Payback Period: 21.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Winchester
We break down average solar pricing in Winchester.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Winchester, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Winchester, most homeowners require a 7.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $19,838, or $28,368 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Winchester homeowner can save about $12,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Winchester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,273 |
| 3 years | $-15,143 |
| 5 years | $-12,014 |
| 7 years | $-8,884 |
| 9 years | $-5,755 |
| 11 years | $-2,625 |
| 13 years | $504 |
| 15 years | $3,634 |
| 17 years | $6,763 |
| 19 years | $9,893 |
| 21 years | $13,022 |
| 23 years | $16,152 |
| 25 years | $19,281 |
Top Solar Installers in Winchester
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy use, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Winchester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Winchester
There are several criteria that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production need 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.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Winchester, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $2,007 | 22.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $3,077 | 21.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $4,347 | 21.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $5,818 | 20.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $7,489 | 20.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $9,361 | 20.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $11,433 | 19.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $13,706 | 19.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
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 Winchester, TN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Winchester?
The average cost of solar panels in Winchester 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Winchester?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Winchester is currently $318,063, so you can expect a value of about $13,041 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Winchester is a rewarding investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.