Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chattanooga, TN (2024 Update)
- Chattanooga Solar Installation Cost: $19,502
- 25-Year Savings: $4,491
- Payback Period: 27.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chattanooga
We go over average solar pricing in Chattanooga.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Chattanooga, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Chattanooga, most homeowners require a 7.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $19,502, or $27,888 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Chattanooga homeowner can save about $9,300 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Chattanooga that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Chattanooga
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,975 |
| 3 years | $-14,922 |
| 5 years | $-11,868 |
| 7 years | $-8,814 |
| 9 years | $-5,760 |
| 11 years | $-2,706 |
| 13 years | $348 |
| 15 years | $3,401 |
| 17 years | $6,455 |
| 19 years | $9,509 |
| 21 years | $12,563 |
| 23 years | $15,617 |
| 25 years | $18,670 |
Top Solar Installers in Chattanooga
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Chattanooga, thereby optimizing your ROI.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Chattanooga
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chattanooga
The cost of installing a solar system in Chattanooga can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,580. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Chattanooga, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Chattanooga, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally 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 | $3.72 | $15,637 | $-1,717 | 28.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $-1,889 | 27.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $-1,859 | 27.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $-1,630 | 26.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $-1,200 | 25.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $-569 | 25.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $262 | 24.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $1,293 | 24.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will influence 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 several important things you should consider, such as:
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Chattanooga, TN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chattanooga?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Chattanooga?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Chattanooga. However, you may still be able to get 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.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Chattanooga, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.