Solar Panel Cost Guide in La Follette, TN (2024 Update)
- La Follette Solar Installation Cost: $20,188
- 25-Year Savings: $7,302
- Payback Period: 23.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in La Follette
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in La Follette.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in La Follette it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in La Follette, most homeowners require a 8.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $20,188, or $28,869 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in La Follette can save around $11,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in La Follette for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in La Follette
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,574 |
| 3 years | $-15,347 |
| 5 years | $-12,119 |
| 7 years | $-8,891 |
| 9 years | $-5,663 |
| 11 years | $-2,435 |
| 13 years | $793 |
| 15 years | $4,021 |
| 17 years | $7,249 |
| 19 years | $10,477 |
| 21 years | $13,705 |
| 23 years | $16,932 |
| 25 years | $20,160 |
Top Solar Installers in La Follette
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra effort and know-how. That's why most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer 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 La Follette
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in La Follette
Although the average cost of a solar system in La Follette is $20,188, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production require 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.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think 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 researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in La Follette have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for La Follette 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 cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $259 | 24.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $746 | 24.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $1,434 | 23.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $2,323 | 23.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $3,411 | 22.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $4,701 | 22.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $6,190 | 21.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $7,881 | 21.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar energy system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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 La Follette, TN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in La Follette?
The average cost of solar panels in La Follette 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.
Can you get solar panels for free in La Follette?
Solar panels aren’t free in La Follette, 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 help lower the cost.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.