Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gallatin, TN (2024 Update)
- Gallatin Solar Installation Cost: $20,150
- 25-Year Savings: $14,691
- Payback Period: 17.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gallatin
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Gallatin.
The average cost of a solar system in Gallatin is 4 per watt.Because a 8.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Gallatin, the average price of going solar will be about $20,150 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Gallatin can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gallatin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,535 |
| 3 years | $-15,304 |
| 5 years | $-12,074 |
| 7 years | $-8,844 |
| 9 years | $-5,613 |
| 11 years | $-2,383 |
| 13 years | $847 |
| 15 years | $4,078 |
| 17 years | $7,308 |
| 19 years | $10,538 |
| 21 years | $13,768 |
| 23 years | $16,999 |
| 25 years | $20,229 |
Top Solar Installers in Gallatin
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for you.
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 Gallatin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gallatin
For many Gallatin homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Gallatin, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,580 per kilowatt in Gallatin.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Gallatin, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Gallatin homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Gallatin homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Gallatin, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Gallatin have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $5,783 | 18.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $8,112 | 17.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $10,641 | 17.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $13,371 | 17.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $16,301 | 16.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $19,432 | 16.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $22,763 | 16.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $26,294 | 15.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will affect 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 take into account, such as:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make 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 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 Gallatin, TN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gallatin?
The average cost of solar panels in Gallatin is about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Gallatin?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.