Solar Panel Cost Guide in Nashville, GA (2024 Update)
- Nashville Solar Installation Cost: $16,794
- 25-Year Savings: $21,884
- Payback Period: 12.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Nashville
We go over average solar pricing in Nashville.
In Nashville, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 6.4-kW system would cost about $16,794 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Nashville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,201 |
| 3 years | $-12,014 |
| 5 years | $-8,828 |
| 7 years | $-5,642 |
| 9 years | $-2,455 |
| 11 years | $731 |
| 13 years | $3,918 |
| 15 years | $7,104 |
| 17 years | $10,291 |
| 19 years | $13,477 |
| 21 years | $16,664 |
| 23 years | $19,850 |
| 25 years | $23,037 |
Top Solar Installers in Nashville
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over time.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Nashville, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Nashville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Nashville
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Nashville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,740 per kilowatt in Nashville.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Nashville, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can affect how much it costs. Nashville’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to 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 due to access to greater resources and better 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 discount 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 | $3.89 | $16,336 | $14,842 | 13.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $20,208 | 12.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $25,784 | 12.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $31,569 | 12.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $37,564 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $43,768 | 11.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $50,181 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $56,804 | 11.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Nashville, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Nashville?
The average cost of solar panels in Nashville is about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Nashville?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Nashville. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Nashville?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily 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 buy 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.